Propulsion Technician (Raptor Engine Shop), Level 4/5 - Night Shift

SpaceX; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Technician (Raptor Engine Shop), Level 4/5, night shift, in McGregor, TX to assemble, test, and maintain flight and development engines. You will read drawings, set up test stands, ensure safe and timely operations, and support process improvements in a highly integrated team.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years in mechanical systems, high pressure environments, and leadership in maintenance, with experience using power tools and basic electrical instrumentation.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with mechanical systems and high pressure fluids/pneumatic systems or heavy equipment.
• 3+ years of using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling.
• 2+ years of leading operations in maintenance and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems.
• 2+ years of experience with basic electrical test instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform staging, set up, assembly, tests, and installation of hardware for flight, qualification, and development engines.
• Read and interpret work instructions and drawings.
• Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations.
• Ensure all build, integration, and test stand related equipment is performed on time, safely, and professionally.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed.
• Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment/tooling/shop aids for build, integration, and test operations.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities and processes.
• Contribute to training of peers in operations and processes up to hazardous operations.

Skills

High pressure systems

Mechanical troubleshooting

Read drawings

Maintenance leadership

Electrical test instrumentation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Power tools

Calibrated tooling

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.

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (RAPTOR ENGINE SHOP), LEVEL 4/5 - NIGHT SHIFT

Propulsion Technicians get to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance and work on flight and development engines, as well as support test and build equipment and tooling. Propulsion Technicians support the company by building and maintaining flight worthy rocket engines and associated test equipment, supporting engineering in suggesting and implementing process improvements, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. These technicians support activities in the engine shop and/or engine assembly area, as well as enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our robust test stands, supporting test operations first‑hand. Propulsion Technicians enjoy witnessing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day. We work as a highly integrated team, and job responsibilities will include helping other programs to ensure the overall success of SpaceX.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform staging, set up, assembly, tests, and installation of hardware for flight, qualification, and development engines
• Read and interpret work instructions and drawings
• Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations
• Ensure all build, integration, and test stand related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
• Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment/tooling/shop aids needed for build, integration, and test operations
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities and processes
• Contribute to training of peers in operations and processes up to and including hazardous operations
• Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards
• Operate and maintain hardware, high pressure systems, pumps, pneumatic systems, avionics, and other ancillary equipment
• Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits or certifications as required
• Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components
• Process work orders and maintenance tickets
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of engine build, integration, and test operations
• Develop novel ways site wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing integration operations
• Able to travel to support engine operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 4+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, high pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
• 3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling
• 2+ years of leading operations in maintenance and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, high pressure fluid/ pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
• 2+ years of experience working on or troubleshooting basic electrical test instrumentation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A&P license
• Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
• Experience with testing process and optimization of test processes
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
• Experience in ground support equipment in aerospace industry
• Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military or other high‑reliability operating environment
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation
• Experience with crane and lift operations
• Knowledge of vacuum systems
• Knowledge of avionics systems
• Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok
• A demonstrated ability in reading/understanding technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
• Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in‑writing) between other employees and customers
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high‑paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work both night shift (2:00pm - 12:30am) and day shift
• Valid driver’s license
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
• Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
• Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, etc.
• Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Must be available to work overtime and weekends as needed based on site priority; flexibility required
• 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 [e-mail].

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.