Instrumentation & Controls Technician - 2nd Shift

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 62,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Instrumentation & Controls Technician for the 2nd shift to support the build-up and maintenance of data and control systems on spacecraft hardware. The role covers wiring, harnessing, instrumentation, and related electronics to meet test requirements for safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

Responsibilities include maintaining and calibrating instrumentation, diagnosing malfunctions, and building electrical units and systems for both developmental and production

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes.
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems.
• Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions.
• Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems.

Skills

Instrumentation experience

Data acquisition

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Oscilloscopes

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

IPC 620 harness assembly

Wheatstone Bridge Theory

DC electronics

Job description

Instrumentation & Controls Technician - 2nd Shift

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.

INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS TECHNICIAN - 2ND SHIFT

The instrumentation & controls technician will support the build-up and maintenance of our data and control systems. These systems consist of varying data acquisition and control hardware, wiring and interface harnesses, and a wide variety of instrumentation. The goal of this team is to meet a variety of test requirements to achieve safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
• Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
• Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems.
• Perform wire terminations to a variety of instruments and verify sensor health: pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, limits, and flow meters
• Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components, and record effects on unit performance
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters (turbine, coriolis, and ultrasonic)
• IPC 620 spec for harness assembly
• Basic knowledge of Wheatstone Bridge Theory, ability to apply Ohm's Law, and an understanding of DC electronics
• Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope and multi-meter, soldering wires and connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxes
• System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives and motor starters, and knowledge in troubleshooting
• Knowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld on and adhesive bond on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts
• Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies, DC-DC convertors, UPS installations, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
• Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gauges are also highly desired. Ability to identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications
• Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
• Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks, stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions
• Knowledge in data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standard hours for this shift are Monday-Friday, 1 PM-11 PM
• Must be available for overtime and non-nominal shifts as the schedule varies depending on the site operational needs; flexibility required
• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position, up to 50 pounds unassisted
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to work at elevated heights
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary – up to 10%
• Valid driver’s license
• 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].