Propulsion Technician (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer based in California is seeking a Propulsion Technician to build and test propulsion systems for their advanced programs. You will ensure the highest quality standards while working collaboratively with engineers and other technicians. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma and 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing role. Competitive hourly pay ranges from $23.00 to $38.00, with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, welding, or testing.
• Experience with thin-walled tubing and metals like Inconel or titanium.
• Ability to work autonomously or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver propulsion systems with high quality.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure timely component delivery.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Aerospace component testing

Propulsion and aerospace hardware assembly

High pressure testing knowledge

High voltage testing knowledge

Lean manufacturing (5S)

Strong mathematical skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Brazement furnace

Pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices

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 (STARSHIP)

The propulsion systems technician team serve as hardware build and test experts for Booster subassembly prop systems - Unique weldments and avionics subassemblies that provide increased performance and operational capability to Raptor and Super Heavy. You will build and test propulsion assemblies for maximum reliability that need to perform in extreme dynamic environments.

As a technician, you will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of build quality and ensuring your work scope is performed correctly. You will partner with engineers on the floor to develop booster prop subs production systems. 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 propulsion
• Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve component delivery rate in a reliable manner
• 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 work/test instructions, and communicate daily work completion to report to leadership
• Execute daily precision manufacturing tasks, Assemble and fit-up subassemblies for fluid systems, including precision alignment, braze joints, fastener torquing, populating avionics connector pin-out with exact wire routing and crimping, conducting proof pressure testing on assemblies, and hi-pot electrical testing for insulation integrity
• Troubleshoot failure modes and collaborate with design, tooling, quality, and engineering teams to resolve technical issues, recommend improvements to designs/instructions/processes for enhanced reliability, manufacturability, and production rates, and transition products from design to high-volume production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/assembly, welding, or testing role OR completion from a relevant trade school

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience
• Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation or aerospace hardware
• High pressure testing knowledge
• High voltage testing knowledge
• A'P license
• Experience and knowledge operating brazement furnace
• Experience working with thin-walled tubing
• Experience working with Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel
• Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW)
• 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
• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel to other sites if needed
• Must be able to lift 50lbs assisted and stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work first shift (~4:00am – ~2:30PM) or second shift (~2:30PM – ~1:00AM)
• Must be able to support overtime and weekend work requests

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.

• 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].