Propulsion Technician - Raptor Chamber & Nozzle Assembly & Final Assembly - 2nd Shift

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock incentives

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) retirement plan

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Technician for the Raptor Chamber & Nozzle Assembly & Final Assembly on the 2nd shift in Hawthorne, CA. The role requires hands-on mechanical skills, ability to work autonomously, and strict adherence to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities include assembling chamber components for welding processes, interpreting drawings, operating advanced equipment, and performing diagnostics on propulsion engines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• A&P license preferred or required as stated.
• Experience with aerospace engines or propulsion systems is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Clean, prepare, and assemble chamber and sub-assembly pieces for welding or brazing.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and follow instructions.
• Operate and set up welding and sheet metal machinery.
• Use precision tools such as torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers.
• Troubleshoot engines and propulsion cell systems.
• Stage, install, test, and de‑tool assemblies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized work area.

Skills

A&P license

Technical drawing interpretation

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

DAVI roll former

Automatic TIG welding machine

Hydro-forming sheet metal machinery

Torque wrenches

Micrometers

Calipers

Job description

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN - RAPTOR CHAMBER & NOZZLE ASSEMBLY & FINAL ASSEMBLY - 2nd SHIFT

Candidates should possess a combination of solid mechanical knowledge, hands‑on experience, and the willingness and ability to learn. This dynamic position requires flexibility to work on different systems, troubleshoot anomalies, and work autonomously while keeping safety and quality at the forefront.

Responsibilities

• Clean, prepare, and assemble various main combustion chamber assemblies and sub‑assembly pieces for Electron Beam (EB) welding, Laser Welding, TIG Welding, or brazing.
• Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions.
• Operate machinery such as DAVI roll former, automated TIG welding machine, and hydro‑forming sheet metal machinery.
• Run automated machines for surface preparation or thermal barrier coating applications.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and follow detailed work instructions.
• Use precision calibrated tools—torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers.
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and heavy equipment.
• Perform blending, filing, and shearing of sheet metal parts.
• Clean tools, valves, regulators, and maintain a professional, neat work area.
• Stage, install, set‑up, test, and de‑tool thrust chamber assemblies and sub‑assemblies.
• Troubleshoot engines and cell systems.
• Operate test cell instrumentation, use computer network systems, and test units as described in the test instruction.
• Accept or reject test units based on calculated test data and results.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience staging, installing, removing, and de‑staging propulsion engines.
• A&P license.
• At least 2 years of experience working on aircraft or rocket engines.
• 5+ years of experience with aerospace engines.
• Knowledge of pressure, temperature, and flow measurement devices; mechanical and electrical systems; and/or propulsion engines.
• Strong mathematical, basic computer, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to meet aggressive schedules.
• Ability to operate and understand readouts on automated asset user interfaces and hydrostatic proof booths.

Additional Requirements

• Able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. unassisted.
• 2nd shift role: 3:30PM–2:00AM, with overtime and weekends as needed.
• Able to stand for extended periods—8 hours minimum.
• Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.

Compensation and Benefits

• Level 1: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour.
• Level 2: $26.00 – $32.50 per hour.
• Level 3: $31.00 – $38.00 per hour.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is part of a total rewards package that may include long‑term incentives (company stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10+ paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave is provided pursuant to Company policy, meeting or exceeding legal requirements.

ITAR Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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, or age.