Propulsion Technician (Starship)

Rocket Lab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Propulsion Technician to support the development of advanced spacecraft components. This role involves building and testing critical hardware for the Starship program, ensuring high standards of quality and safety while collaborating with engineering teams. Candidates should have at least a high school diploma and relevant experience in fabrication or assembly roles.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

10 or more paid holidays per year

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a fabrication, manufacturing/assembly, or testing role.
• Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation or automotive hardware.
• High attention to detail for testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and test motors, gearboxes, pumps, electrical assemblies, valves, regulators, and mechanisms.
• Deliver high-quality components for Starship and Super Heavy.
• Troubleshoot failure modes and work with engineering to solve technical problems.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Mathematical skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

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 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 shit (5:00 AM)
• Able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour
Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour
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 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].