Maintenance Technician - Level 4/5

Starlink; Texas; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas seeks a Maintenance Technician to install and maintain hydraulic, cryogenic, and fluid systems for the Starship test stand. You will lead hands-on assembly, troubleshoot complex systems, and work with engineers to ensure high-quality, safe operations for upcoming test launches.

The role demands experience with heavy equipment, schematics, and field fabrication, plus willingness to travel and work shift rotations as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• 7+ years of experience maintaining or installing mechanical and low-voltage control systems.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and install fluid system components from schematics or drawings.
• Troubleshoot issues in hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure 100% launch readiness.
• Operate forklifts and aerial platforms as required.
• Perform maintenance across vehicle integration and pad areas.
• Create and update work orders and instructions.
• Adhere to LOTO and fluid system procedures for safe operations.
• Monitor instrumentation data to assess system health.

Skills

Instrumentation certification

Rocket launch pad experience

Heavy equipment operation

Schematics interpretation

Fluid systems knowledge

Lockout/tagout (LOTO)

Cryogenic systems familiarity

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Load cells

Multimeters

Calipers

Torque wrenches

Depth gauges

Micrometers

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.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN - LEVEL 4/5

We are looking for a maintenance technician to install and maintain the Starship test stand's electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems in preparation for test operations. These systems include hydraulics, high-pressure nitrogen/helium, and cryogenic systems.

In addition to the required experience below, our ideal candidate shows personal initiative, maintains composure, and fosters a positive environment. In this role, it is important to be responsible, hardworking, and conscientious about the quality of work performed. The maintenance technician will need to take the lead in making suggestions and not get discouraged along the way. Additionally, they must produce high-quality work promptly while continually looking for process improvements, streamlining, and cost savings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fabricate and install fluid system components from a schematic or engineering drawing, including, but not limited to, ball valves, check valves, pressure regulators, and pressure gauges
• Troubleshoot operational issues found during the activation of controls, fluids, and mechanical systems
• Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure every system is operating with the highest level of quality to support the 100% successful launch of a multimillion-dollar launch vehicle
• Operate heavy machinery, including forklifts and aerial platforms
• Perform hands-on operations with both large and small fragile assemblies
• Perform maintenance tasks as required in a variety of roles for vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities, and any other general maintenance work to maintain an operational launch site (including corrosion control)
• Create, maintain, and edit written work orders and instructions
• Perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and fluid system configuration procedures, ensuring all physical and administrative actions are completed safely and accurately
• Monitor and interpret critical instrumentation data to assess the health and performance of fluid systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 7+ years of experience performing maintenance or installation work on mechanical and low-voltage control systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• NCCER Instrumentation certification
• Experience working on a rocket launch pad and directly supporting launch operations
• Experience in military aviation as a propulsion or airframe technician
• Experience using heavy equipment (overhead cranes, forklifts, and man lifts)
• Experience following detailed schematics and fabricating fluid panels from said schematics
• Knowledge of hydraulic/cryogenic systems and operations
• Experience explaining the differences between test setups: hydraulic vs. pneumatic vs. thermal and between sensors (load cells, differential pressure transducers, thermocouples, etc.)
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex controls, fluids, and mechanical systems
• Experience routing tubes in the field to a high level of accuracy
• Experience in safely rigging and moving items under 20,000 lbs.
• Experience operating and building a flush cart, proof cart, and leak check cart
• Experience working in a clean room environment
• Familiarity with calibrated measurement devices, including load cells, multimeters, calipers, torque wrenches, depth gauges, and micrometers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Typical hours for this position, excluding overtime, are Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Ability to support shift rotations as site needs change
• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Must be able to travel to other SpaceX facilities when needed (up to 25% travel)
• 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 for 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.

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 Affiantive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].