Propulsion Technician (Starship) - 2nd Shift

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Technician for the 2nd shift in Hawthorne, California. This role involves laser welding, mechanical assembly, and pressure testing of advanced spacecraft components.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma, at least one year of relevant experience, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment, maintaining high-quality standards and collaborating with engineers.

Compensation ranges from $23.00 to $38.00 per hour based on experience and level.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in fabrication, manufacturing, or testing role.
• Familiarity with high-pressure testing processes.
• Effective communication with engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform laser welding and mechanical assembly of components.
• Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot technical problems.
• Ensure a safe and efficient working environment.

Skills

Weld preparation

Propulsion assembly/testing

Attention to detail

Basic computer experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Pressure measurement devices

Pneumatic systems

Laser welding 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 (STARSHIP) – 2ND SHIFT

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 a variety of compensator designs that are integrated into both Starship and Super Heavy Booster propulsion systems. This position will include laser welding components, mechanical assembly, and pressure testing of large components in a fast‑paced environment.

As a technician, you will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of build quality, ensuring tests are run correctly, and interfacing directly with engineers on the floor. You will understand component functionality to troubleshoot or recognize potential hazards/issues before they occur and help update work instructions and processes to reduce future issues and increase personnel safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver state‑of‑the‑art, high‑quality components for Starship and Super Heavy. Utilize laser welding skills with our automated laser welding machine and contribute to mechanical assembly and pressure testing. Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve SpaceX’s component delivery rate reliably.
• 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 peers and leadership.
• Troubleshoot failure modes and work directly with engineering to solve technical problems. Provide recommendations to improve design, instructions, or processes to enhance reliability, manufacturability, or production rate.
• Grow your skillset (seal installation, assembly, laser welding, pneumatic pressure testing, etc.) and expertise across products while training peers in a fast‑growing environment.

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

• Experience in weld preparation.
• Training in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation, or automotive hardware.
• A&P license.
• Lean manufacturing (5S) knowledge and experience.
• High attention to detail to ensure safety and accuracy of testing procedures.
• Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices and mechanical/pneumatic systems.
• 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience.
• Strong mathematical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Basic computer experience.
• Effective communication (verbal and written) with engineering and production teams at all levels.
• Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team to achieve production goals.
• High pressure testing knowledge.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work 2nd shift hours (3 p.m.–1 a.m.), overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Able to lift at least 30 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 job‑related knowledge, 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 or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may 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 U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an 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

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.