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

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, vision & dental insurance

3 weeks vacation

10+ paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA seeks a Propulsion Technician for the Raptor chamber, nozzle assembly and final assembly on the 2nd shift. You will perform precision assembly, inspection and testing to meet strict aerospace standards.

The role requires experience with propulsion engines, familiarity with drawings and setup of specialized equipment, and a strong teamwork ethic to support production schedules and safety protocols. Overtime and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• 2+ years propulsion engines experience preferred.
• A&P license preferred.
• Knowledge of measurement devices and propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Clean, prepare, and assemble chamber assemblies and sub-assemblies for welding or brazing.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and follow instructions.
• Operate equipment such as TIG welders and hydro-forming machines.
• Run automated surface prep and coating processes.
• Troubleshoot engines and cell systems.
• Stage, install, set-up, test and de-tool thrust chamber assemblies.
• Lift and move components safely.
• Maintain a clean and safe workspace.

Skills

Propulsion engine experience

Reading technical drawings

Precision measurement tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

A&P license

Tools

DAVI roll former

Hydro-forming equipment

Calipers and micrometers

Job description

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

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX develops technologies to make space exploration possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

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.
• 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.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
• Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment.
• Perform blending, filing and shearing of sheet metal parts.
• Clean tools, valves, regulators and maintain a professional and neat work area.
• Stage, install, set-up, test and de-tool thrust chamber assemblies and subassemblies.
• Troubleshoot engines and cell systems.
• Operate test cell instrumentation and use computer network systems 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.
• 2+ years of experience working on aircraft or rocket engines.
• 5+ years of aerospace engines experience.
• 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; 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 booth.

Additional Requirements

• Able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. unassisted.
• This is a 2nd shift role working from 3:30 PM – 2:00 AM, 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

Pay Range

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

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on 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, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. Employees accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave is accrued pursuant to company policy.

Export and EEO Statements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.