Propulsion Technician (Raptor Foundry)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Propulsion Technician for its Raptor Foundry in Hawthorne, California. In this role, you will operate heavy industrial equipment, maintain robotic systems, and perform key manufacturing processes. Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience in industrial settings, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, and stock options.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on experience in industrial manufacturing or production environments.
• Experience documenting process improvements and working in team-based production settings.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain robotic systems for shell manufacturing.
• Perform operation of burnout furnaces.
• Assist pour operations team with mold transfer processes.
• Operate large industrial equipment for de-shelling and casting mold operations.
• Collaborate with design and quality engineers.

Skills

Heavy industrial equipment operation

Metal fabrication

Creative problem solving

Documentation skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Robotic systems

Abrasive saws

Waterjets

Job description

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (RAPTOR FOUNDRY)

We are seeking a motivated, adaptable, and detail-oriented individual with a strong industrial background who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments. As a Foundry Technician, you will leverage your hands‑on experience to master evolving processes, operate heavy industrial equipment safely and efficiently, and drive improvements that support SpaceX’s mission to build revolutionary launch vehicles and spacecraft. If you have a track record in industrial production and are eager to contribute to cutting‑edge propulsion systems, we want to hear from you!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and maintain robotic systems for shell manufacturing, including part loading, in-process inspection, and slurry sampling
• Perform operation of burnout furnaces, including cutting and placement of insulation on molds
• Assist pour operations team with mold transfer processes using robotic equipment, forklifts, and other assisted lift methods
• Operate large industrial equipment such as abrasive saws, waterjets, and grit blasting machinery to support de-shelling and casting mold operations
• Read and interpret work order instructions to blend and remove material using carbides or other hand tools, ensuring critical dimensional tolerances are met
• Handle part transfers and documentation using heat treat ovens
• Support SLA printing and related finishing/assembly tasks as part of broader production workflows
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvements
• Collaborate with design, tooling, and quality engineers to transition products from design to high-volume production
• Provide hands‑on support across foundry operations to maintain efficiency and quality

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial manufacturing or production environments, including one or more of the following: heavy industrial equipment operation, surface preparation and finishing, part inspection and quality control, preventive maintenance (PMs) on machinery, metal fabrication, or operating lab/manufacturing equipment
• Experience documenting process improvements and working in team‑based production settings

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with foundry processes, investment casting, or operation of large-scale industrial equipment (e.g., robotics, furnaces, saws, or blasting systems)
• 3+ years in a professional manufacturing or production role, with a focus on scaling operations or handling complex industrial workflows
• Proven track record of creative problem solving, implementing cost reductions, and driving process optimizations in industrial settings
• Experience starting up new work centers, establishing documented processes, and introducing new products from design to production
• Familiarity with HMI, PLC, or robot programming for industrial automation
• Strong manual dexterity for tasks like sanding, cutting, assembly, and precision finishing
• Comfortable adapting to a mix of repetitive production tasks and innovative process development
• Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels
• Exceptional attention to detail and safety awareness in high‑stakes environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be available for 1st shift (5:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
• Must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs
• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs and work in small, restricted areas

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident, (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 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.