Propulsion Technician (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Propulsion Technician, where you'll be at the forefront of developing advanced spacecraft components. In this role, you'll assemble and test critical hardware while ensuring high standards of quality and safety. You'll collaborate with engineers to solve technical challenges and improve processes, all in an inspiring environment that encourages growth and innovation. With a focus on reliability and efficiency, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking aerospace projects. If you're passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Short & long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 1+ years in fabrication, manufacturing, or testing roles.
• Trained in assembly/testing of propulsion or automotive hardware.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and test propulsion components for Starship and Super Heavy.
• Troubleshoot failure modes and collaborate with engineering.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Mathematical skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Pressure measurement devices

Temperature measurement devices

Flow measurement devices

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Job description

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

The Propulsion Components team develops the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our technicians serve as hardware build and test experts for the electromechanical actuator and flow control devices that drive the critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy. You will build motors, gearboxes, pumps, electrical assemblies, valves, regulators, and mechanisms for maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from 70K to 700K and pressures beyond 10,000 psig.

As a technician, you will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of build quality, ensuring tests are being run correctly, and interfacing directly with engineers on the floor. Technicians in this role will be capable of understanding component functionality to be able to assist in troubleshooting or recognizing potential hazards/issues before they occur and helping to update work instructions/processes to reduce future issues and increase personnel safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality components for Starship and Super Heavy. Assemble and test motors, gearboxes, pumps, electrical assemblies, valves, regulators, and mechanisms. Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve SpaceX’s highest-yet component delivery rate in a reliable manner.
• Maintain a safe, professional, and neat work area. Recommend changes to tooling, equipment, training, processes, and personal protective equipment to eliminate safety hazards.
• Set the standard for a rigorous and efficient technician team by operating with high efficiency and utilization across a broad mix of products. Perform work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions, and communicate daily work completion to report to peers/leadership.
• Troubleshoot failure modes, and work directly with engineering to solve technical problems. Provide recommendations to design/instructions/process to improve reliability, manufacturability, or rate of components.
• Grow your skillset (seal installation, assembly, soldering, pressurized testing, etc.) and expertise across products (pneumatic, electromechanical, and passive valves) while training peers in a fast-growing team.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 1+ years of experience working in a fabrication, manufacturing/assembly, or testing role.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation or automotive hardware.
• A&P license.
• Lean manufacturing (5S) knowledge and experience.
• High attention to detail in order to ensure safety and accuracy of testing procedures.
• Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices and mechanical/electrical systems.
• 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience.
• Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Basic computer experience.
• The ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production teams at all levels of the business.
• The ability to work autonomously or as part of a team to achieve inspiring production goals.
• High pressure testing knowledge.
• High voltage testing knowledge.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Estimated start time: 1st shift (5:00 AM).
• Able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Propulsion Technician/Level 1: $20.00 - $27.00/per hour
Propulsion Technician/Level 2: $25.00 - $32.50/per hour
Propulsion Technician/Level 3: $30.00 - $38.00/per 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.