Fabrication Technician

SpaceX; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Fabrication Technician at Starbase, TX to build, maintain and upgrade mechanical and fluid systems supporting rocket testing and launches. The role involves working with an elite team to rapidly assemble launch propellant systems for the Starship program.

You will handle GSE components, operate high-pressure equipment, fabricate and repair gear, and ensure materials meet Oxygen service standards while collaborating with engineers to document activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 2+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipe and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high pressure systems or mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide ground support equipment (GSE) technician support involving building, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting pumps, tanks, valves and plumbing related to LOX/fuel pads and site facilities.
• Operate hardware, high pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components.
• Fabricate and repair GSE hardware and equipment.
• Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE activities.
• Ensure all materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards.
• Build and maintain structural and engine test equipment.
• Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits or certifications as required.
• Follow all necessary regulations and SpaceX procedures including safety policies and procedures.
• Develop novel ways to streamline processes and increase reliability of testing operations.
• Perform duties in support of engine testing and structural test stand programs

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Ground support equipment

High pressure systems

Reading schematics

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

FABRICATION TECHNICIAN

Fabrication technicians at Starbase, TX, will work to build, maintain, and upgrade mechanical and fluid systems to support various SpaceX rocket testing and launch campaigns. This technician will work with an elite team to rapidly build launch propellant assemblies that will contribute to the Starship program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide ground support equipment (GSE) technician support which involves building, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment such as pumps, tanks, valves and plumbing related to the liquid oxygen (LOX) pad, fuel pad, and other aspects of the site facility
• Operating hardware, high pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components
• Fabricate and repair GSE hardware and equipment
• Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE activities
• Ensure all materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards
• Build and maintain structural and engine test equipment
• Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits or certifications as required
• Follow all necessary regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, NFPA, ASME, NEC, etc.
• Develop novel ways site wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of engine testing and structural test stand programs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipe and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high pressure systems or mechanical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in the space exploration industry, military or other high-reliability operating environment
• Experience in ground support equipment in an aerospace industry
• Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling)
• Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage
• A demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role
• Knowledge of high vacuum systems
• Knowledge of medium pressure systems
• Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT and A/N
• Ability to utilize power tools and hand tools as well as heavy equipment
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
• Knowledge of hazardous systems - cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
• Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling
• Experience using test instrumentation and control components

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Anticipated hours for this position are Monday - Friday, 6:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail] .

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.