Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer seeks a Propulsion Technician to handle production machining tasks. This includes the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of rocket hardware. Interested candidates should have a high school diploma and practical experience in manufacturing. Responsibilities encompass inspecting metal parts and operating machinery critical for rocket production. Join a dynamic team devoted to advancing space exploration initiatives, with opportunities for overtime and comprehensive employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing.
• Able to bench close tolerance dimensions as per blueprint.
• Experience utilizing measuring instruments.
• Ability to operate automated interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture, assemble, and test rocket hardware.
• Grind, file, or sand surfaces of metal items.
• Inspect surface finishes and remove defects.
• Operate various machinery and test cell instrumentation.
• Inspect surface finishes, threads, and edges.
• Remove defects and smooth surfaces.
• Remove chips/debris from passages using tools and fluids.
• Borescope parts to check internal defects.
• Read and interpret drawings and follow instructions.
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and heavy equipment.
• Run test cell instrumentation and related test units.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Ability to learn

Problem solving

Communication skills

Borescopes for visual inspection

Math and problem solving

Teamwork and independence

Interpreting drawings and instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Heavy equipment

Digital borescopes

Job description

Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining)

Location: Hawthorne, CA

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.

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

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer 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, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

EEO & Disability Accommodation

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].