Maintenance Technician - Level 4/5

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Maintenance Technician - Level 4/5 to install and maintain the Starship test stand’s electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems. You will fabricate, troubleshoot, and support 100% successful launch readiness with a team of engineers and technicians.

The role requires operating heavy equipment, following schematics, and working in demanding environments, with travel up to 25% and flexible hours to support site operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 7+ years of maintenance or installation experience on mechanical and low-voltage systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support multiple SpaceX facilities.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and install fluid system components from schematics or drawings.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in controls, fluids, and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure system readiness for launches.
• Operate heavy machinery (forklifts, aerial platforms) as part of site operations.
• Perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and monitor critical instrumentation data.

Skills

Instrumentation knowledge

Heavy equipment experience

Fluids and hydraulics knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Hydraulic systems

Cryogenic systems

Measuring instruments (load cells, calipers, 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 ofenabling 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 the100% 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 Affimative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].