Propulsion Technician (Merlin Turbopump/Injector)

D.O.M. magazine; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Disability and life insurance

Paid parental leave

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Propulsion Technician for Merlin turbopump/injector systems in Hawthorne, CA. The role focuses on assembling and testing rocket hardware, with safety and quality at the forefront. Flexibility to work various shifts and overtime is required.

Candidates should have hands-on mechanical experience, strong math and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or in a team. FAA A&P and 5S knowledge are pluses.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• 1+ years in production, mechanical, military, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• FAA A&P certificate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day production including assembly, precision cleaning, non-destructive testing, heat treat, and machining.
• Troubleshoot failure modes and provide feedback to engineering with photo documentation.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and follow detailed work instructions.
• Record daily work completion and maintain a professional workspace.

Skills

Mathematics

Basic computing

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

FAA A&P certificate

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Company

SpaceX

Category

Maintenance

Job Type

Permanent

City

Hawthorne

State

California

Country

United States

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.

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (MERLIN TURBOPUMP/INJECTOR)

The Propulsion Technician is responsible for the assembly and testing of rocket hardware. Candidates should possess solid mechanical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the willingness and ability to learn. This dynamic position requires the flexibility to work on different systems, the ability to troubleshoot anomalies and work autonomously to defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront of everything.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support day-to-day production which includes manufacturing processes such as assembly, precision cleaning, non-destructive testing, heat treat, and machining
• Troubleshoot failure modes and provide photo documentation and feedback to engineering
• Use precision calibrated tools - torque wrenches, micrometers and calipers
• Perform blending, filing, and shearing of sheet metal piece parts
• Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions
• Read and interpret technical drawings, and follow detailed work instructions
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure an efficient and effective work environment
• Accurately record daily work completion to report to the lead technician
• Responsible for maintaining a professional and neat work area

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working in a production, mechanical, military, or manufacturing environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in an aerospace manufacturing environment with mechanical and electrical systems
• Strong mathematical, basic computer, problem solving, and decision-making skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills
• Embody team mentality, coachable and reliable
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, meet aggressive schedules, operate and understand readouts on standard cell instrumentation
• FAA A&P certificate
• 5S knowledge and experience
• High attention to detail in order to ensure safety and accuracy of testing procedures
• Previous interaction and correspondence with support engineers
• Proficient with computers and the ability to use MS Office

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed
• Must be able to work the following shifts:
  • Monday - Friday 4:00 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Monday - Friday 2:30 PM - 1:00 AM
  • Thursday - Sunday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Must be ableto lift a min. of 25 lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to stand for extended periods - 8 hours min
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Pay range: Propulsion Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour
• Propulsion Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour
• Propulsion Technician/Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

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 Affir­mative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliancespacex.com.

D.O.M. magazine is the premier magazine for aviation maintenance management professionals. Its management-focused editorial provides information maintenance managers need and want including business best practices, professional development, regulatory, quality management, legal issues and more. The digital version of D.O.M. magazine is available for free on all devices (iOS, Android, and Amazon Kindle).