Process Operator Specialist

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Starbase, TX is seeking a Process Operator Specialist to monitor and maintain automated industrial equipment, with a focus on engines, compressors, and fluid systems. You will ensure equipment performance, calibrate instruments, and respond to variations before failures occur.

You will collaborate with engineers and technicians to implement procedures, maintain an efficient spare parts inventory, and follow safety and ITAR requirements for high-stakes aerospace environments.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering technology and 2+ years of experience with automated processes OR a high school diploma and 4+ years in control room operations, plant operations, mechanic/millwright support, or instrumentation/electrical operations.
• Ability to work outside with hand tools and climb ladders; flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends.
• Familiar with lock out tag out, job hazard analysis, hot work permitting; able to read P&ID and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate process equipment including compressors, gas analyzers, control systems and valves
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and fabricators to implement designs in the field
• Develop operating procedures with engineers and technicians
• Coordinate resources across disciplines to complete builds
• Create and maintain a mature hardware inventory and procure spares
• Learn and run standard operating procedures on machinery

Skills

Process parameters understanding

P&ID & schematics reading

Mechanical equipment familiarity

Lockout/Tagout & hazard analysis

Electrical switchgear knowledge

Education

Associate degree in mechanical/electrical engineering technology

High school diploma or equivalency with 4+ years experience in listed areas

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.

PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST

SpaceX is seeking process operators for its Starbase, TX facility. Ideally, the operator has experience working with industrial processes that utilize engines, motors, fluid piping, electrical equipment, and instrumented controls. This position entails ownership of equipment performance and reliability by monitoring process parameters and maintaining components, with a keen eye for leading indicators of instability or malfunction, and a drive to correct those issues in advance of undesirable events.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate a variety of process equipment including centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, gas analyzers, control systems, instrument electrical systems and process control valves
• Work with engineers, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid and mechanical designs in the field
• Work with engineers and technicians to create operating procedures
• Coordinate across multiple disciplines to ensure that required resources are available to complete builds
• Use knowledge of systems and existing documentation like schematics and parts lists to create and maintain a mature and efficient hardware inventory system - including procurement of critical spares
• Learn and run standard operating procedures on the machinery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering technology and 2+ years of experience working with automated processes in one of the following areas OR a high school diploma or equivalency certificate and 4+ years of experience in one of the following areas:
  • Control room operations
  • Plant operations
  • Mechanic/millwright support
  • Instrumentation/electrical operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Basic understanding of process parameters and engineering units for temperature, pressure, flow, and power
• Ability to read and understand P&ID and schematic wiring diagrams
• Familiar with mechanical equipment and systems requiring the isolation of the malfunction, disassembly of industrial machinery and repair/replacement of bearings, gears, structural components
• Familiar with lock out tag out, job hazard analysis, hot work permitting
• Familiar with 120V, 480V, and 4160V electrical switchgear and components

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing and able to work outside with hand tools, which includes the ability to stand, walk, climb, and work with objects overhead
• Required to climb ladders to elevated platforms and operate man-lifts at elevations in excess of 100 feet
• Flexible schedule, which could include days or nights and also weekends

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.

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