Lead Development Test Technician (Starship Structural Test) - 1st Shift

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Development Test Technician (Starship Structural Test) on 1st shift to guide testing operations, assign priorities, and ensure safety and workmanship standards are met during Starship Tower builds.

The role requires hands-on leadership, coordination with engineers, and the ability to troubleshoot pneumatic/hydraulic systems while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years in industrial testing such as piping/high-pressure work.
• Experience assembling large mechanical structures and test stands.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team in testing operations, assign work based on priorities and enforce safety standards.
• Serve as liaison between employees and management to solve problems.
• Assist supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members.
• Ensure team follows proper procedures and utilizes appropriate tooling.
• Provide GSE support including building, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting pneumatic/hydraulic equipment for Starship Tower builds.
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Operate and maintain high-pressure systems and related equipment.
• Collaborate with design engineers to document GSE/testing activities.
• Develop ways to streamline processes and improve testing reliability.

Skills

AP license

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklifts

Cranes

Rigging techniques

GSE testing equipment

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

LEAD DEVELOPMENT TEST TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP STRUCTURAL TEST) - 1ST SHIFT

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help lead a small team in support of testing operations, handing out work assignments based on priorities, enforcing safety & workmanship standards, and ensuring blockers are cleared at the appropriate level
• Function as the liaison between employees and management for solving problems or addressing general questions
• Assist supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members
• Ensure that all team members follow proper procedures
• Provide information on specific materials and components required for tooling work orders
• Provide technician GSE support, which involves building, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting pneumatic and hydraulic equipment such as valves, plumbing, and components related to the Starship Tower build
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems, and other ancillary equipment, including mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components
• Fabricate and repair GSE/testing hardware and equipment
• Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE/testing activities
• 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 integrated system installation and activation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipes and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high-pressure systems (pneumatic or hydraulic)
• 2+ years assembling and configuring large mechanical structures and test stands using forklifts, cranes, and proper rigging techniques

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A&P license
• Experience in the aerospace industry, military, or other high-reliability operating environment
• Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry
• Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling)
• Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage
• Willingness to learn/experience troubleshooting and repairing instrumentation and low-voltage wiring
• Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem-solving play a critical role
• Knowledge of all types of borescope 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General physical fitness is required for some work areas, as flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Must be able to work the following shift:
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
• Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500ft
• Able to travel to alternate work sites to support fabrication activities
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Able to work overtime and weekends depending on site operational needs
• Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 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 for 6 hours or more 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 [e-mail].