Propulsion Technician (Starship) - 2nd Shift

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 parental leave

Three weeks of paid vacation

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Propulsion Technician for the Starship program in Hawthorne, CA. This role focuses on welding components and mechanical assembly while ensuring high-quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualified candidates will handle troubleshooting, maintain safety standards, and assist with various propulsion components. Experience and a high school diploma are required, with a pay range between $23.00 and $38.00 per hour based on level.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in fabrication, manufacturing/assembly, or testing.
• Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices.
• Experience in weld preparation.

Responsibilities

• Utilize laser welding skills and be involved in mechanical assembly.
• Maintain a safe and efficient work area.
• Troubleshoot failure modes and collaborate with engineering.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Basic computer experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Job description

Propulsion Technician (Starship) - 2nd Shift

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.

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 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 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. Utilize laser welding skills with the automated laser welding machine, and be part of the mechanical assembly and pressure testing process. 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 design, instructions, and process to improve reliability, manufacturability, or rate of components.
• Grow your skill‑set (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.
• Trained 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 of the business.
• Experience working 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 pm‑1 am), 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
• Pay range: Level 2: $26.00 – $32.50 /hour
• Pay range: 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 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 or long‑term cash awards, as well as 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, 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 three weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for ten or more paid holidays per year.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or otherwise be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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.