Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Medical coverage

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) to manufacture, assemble, and test rocket hardware and sub-assemblies. The role requires hands-on skills, the ability to work autonomously, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities include precision grinding, threading, inspection, deburring, and operating high‑tech test equipment. First shift is 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with overtime and weekend hours available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ year manufacturing experience.
• Ability to bench close tolerance dimensions per blueprint.
• Experience with measuring instruments.
• Lean manufacturing and 5S experience.
• Experience using digital borescopes for inspection.
• Strong math, basic computer, problem solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to meet schedules.
• Ability to operate automated asset readouts and hydrostatic proof booths.

Responsibilities

• Grind, file, or sand surfaces of metal items using hand tools, power tools, and machines.
• Chase machine cut threads to size.
• Polish tight tolerance surface finishes.
• Wash parts after deburr process.
• Inspect surface finishes, threads, and edges.
• Remove defects and smooth uneven surfaces.
• Use tools and fluids to remove chips/debris from passages.
• Borescope parts to check for internal defects and debris.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and follow work instructions.
• Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment.
• Operate test cell instrumentation and use test units as described in test instructions.
• Operate machinery such as vacuum furnaces, ultrasonic immersion, and proof/waterflow booths.

Skills

Close tolerance

Measuring tools

Lean manufacturing

5S

Digital borescopes

Problem solving

Independent worker

Team player

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Digital borescopes

Gages & micrometers

Hydrostatic test equipment

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (RAPTOR PRODUCTION MACHINING)

Candidates should possess a combination of solid mechanical knowledge, hands‑on experience and the willingness and ability to learn. The propulsion technician is responsible for manufacturing, assembly, and testing of rocket hardware and associated sub-assemblies. This is a dynamic position that requires the flexibility to work on different systems, the ability to troubleshoot anomalies, and the ability to work autonomously on defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront of everything that is done.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grind, file, or sand surfaces of metal items, utilizing a variety of hand tools, power tools, and machines
• Chase machine cut threads to size
• Polish tight tolerance surface finishes
• Wash parts that have gone through deburr process
• Inspect surface finishes, threads, and broken edges
• Remove defects and smooth uneven surfaces
• Use tools and fluid flow to remove chips/debris from passages in parts
• Borescope parts to check for internal defects and debris
• Read and interpret technical drawings and follow detailed work instructions
• Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment
• Operate test cell instrumentation and use computer network systems as well as test units as described in the test instruction
• Operate machinery such as vacuum furnaces, ultrasonic immersion, proof/waterflow booths

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Able to bench close tolerance dimensions within what the blueprint calls for
• Experience utilizing various measuring instruments: mics, veneers, ultra-sonic thickness gauges
• Experience with lean manufacturing and 5S organizational methods
• Experience using digital borescopes for visual inspection
• Strong mathematical, basic computer, problem solving and decision‑making skills, and 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

• Available for overtime and weekend hours
• Must be available for 1st shift (5:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
• Capable of lifting up to 50lbs without accommodation
• Capable of standing and kneeling without accommodation

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 Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].