Production Technician, Gateways (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, TX is seeking skilled technicians for the production of Starlink Gateways. Candidates should have hands-on experience or an associate degree in a STEM field, and be ready to tackle complex problems in a dynamic setting.

The ideal candidate will execute startup procedures, build mechanical components, and conduct functional testing. Strong candidates will thrive under tight schedules and must meet all regulatory requirements for employment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a hands-on technical position or an associate degree in a STEM field.
• Proficient in using PC and Microsoft Office suite.
• 3+ years of experience in electro-mechanical assembly or mechanical assembly.

Responsibilities

• Execute startup and shutdown procedures for production equipment.
• Build and test mechanical/electrical gateway components.
• Run functional testing of built hardware.

Skills

Electro-mechanical assembly

Integration

Mechanical assembly

Testing and experiments

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

High school degree or equivalency certificate

Associate degree in a STEM field

Job description

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

We are looking for talented technicians to help with the full‑scale production of Starlink Gateways. Starlink Gateways are advanced ground station antennas that are responsible for delivering internet from the ground to satellites – they must be high‑precision, low‑cost, high‑performance in all weather conditions (from the Arctic Circle to the desert), and ultra‑reliable over long periods of time.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, enjoy solving complex problems with high‑impact solutions, and love the challenge of building something from scratch, then this role will be an ideal next step in your career.

Responsibilities

• Execute startup and shutdown procedures for production equipment
• Build and test mechanical/electrical gateway components and perform wire harnessing work
• Own mechanical/electrical subassemblies and integration of final vehicle assemblies
• Read, interpret, and follow technical documents such as manufacturing work instructions
• Run functional testing of built hardware including setup, instrumentation, test execution, and teardown
• Perform test setups as needed to support developments across several test regimes – thermal, shock, vibration
• Provide feedback on failure modes and support engineering to drive root cause of yield limiters
• Recommend improvements to manufacturing processes and work with engineers to develop, implement, and refine processes with a specific focus on reducing cost and downtime and increasing yield
• Ensure production equipment is maintained and calibrated while keeping track calibration schedules
• Responsible for some preventative maintenance activities on test equipment and data acquisition systems
• Ensure 5S standards are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Manage schedule priorities and independently execute work to meet company deliverables

Basic Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working in a hands‑on technical position OR an associate degree in a STEM field

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of experience in electro‑mechanical assembly, integration, or mechanical assembly
• Proficient in using a PC, Microsoft Windows, and the Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from layout drawings, mechanical drawings, assembly procedures, schematics, engineering drawings, and parts lists
• Experience working in an electro‑mechanical manufacturing, precision manufacturing, or high‑volume manufacturing company
• Electro‑mechanical assembly and prototype development experience
• Experience setting up and conducting tests and experiments
• IPC and/or J‑STD certification

Additional Requirements

• Willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed to support critical milestones
• Estimated shift times for 1st shift:
  • 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday‑Friday
• Standing for long periods, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, 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.