Launch Pad Technician (Starship) - Night Shift

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Launch Pad Technician (Starship) for the night shift in Brownsville, TX. You will fabricate and install fluid system components, troubleshoot issues, and operate heavy equipment to support high‑fidelity launch campaigns.

The role requires a high school diploma and 1+ years using power tools; an associate degree in aerospace tech is preferred. Expect night hours, overtime, and weekend work as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience working at a rocket launch facility or similar aerospace environment is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and drawings.
• Experience with fluid and mechanical systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and install fluid system components from drawings and schematics.
• Troubleshoot issues during activation of fluid and mechanical systems.
• Operate heavy equipment including forklifts and aerial platforms.
• Support launch fluids team and assist during vehicle rollouts and launches.
• Assist during post-launch refurbishments and modifications.

Skills

Fluid system experience

Power tools experience

Read drawings/schematics

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in aerospace technology

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

LAUNCH PAD TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) - NIGHT SHIFT

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fabricate and install fluid system components from a schematic or engineering drawing, including but not limited to:
• Ball valves
• Check valves
• Pressure regulators
• Pressure gauges
• Troubleshoot operational issues found during activation of fluid and mechanical systems
• Operate heavy machinery including forklifts and aerial platforms
• Work with a team of technician and engineers to ensure every system is built with the highest level of quality to support 100% successful launch of a multi-million dollar launch vehicle
• Provide daily support to the launch fluids team
• Assist other technicians during launches with vehicle roll out, launch procedures, and post launch securing
• Assist fluids technicians during post launch pad refurbishments and modifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of professional experience using power tools

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in aerospace technology or equivalent area of study
• Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems
• Experience maintaining a propulsion test stand in the aerospace industry
• Military aviation experience as a propulsion or airframe technician
• Experience with orbital or structural welding
• Machining and metal fabrication experience
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office ( Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Experience with mechanical repairs and troubleshooting
• Experience with pneumatic/hydraulic system fabrication
• SpaceTEC certification
• Experience with engine and transmission rebuilds
• Familiarity with calibrated measuring instruments
• Experience using heavy equipment, including but not limited to, overhead cranes, forklifts and manlifts
• Commercial Driver's license (CDL)
• Experience with car, truck and heavy industrial preventative maintenance
• Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings, and instructions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Anticipated hours for this position are 5:00 PM to 3:30 AM
• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed
• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity 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 10 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, using an air purifying respirator, 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

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.