Sheet Metal Technician (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Redmond, Washington, is seeking skilled technicians to operate laser cutters and water jets for complex sheet-metal assemblies. Applicants should have a high-school diploma or equivalency and at least 2 years of relevant experience.

This position offers competitive pay ranging from $23.00 to $40.00 per hour, based on experience and level. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, a 401(k) plan, and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience with water-jet and/or laser cutter.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Forklift operation certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain laser cutters and water jets.
• Produce complex sheet-metal assemblies.
• Ensure parts meet engineering specifications.
• Provide clean, deburred, and complete parts.

Skills

Operation of laser cutters

Operation of water jets

Blueprint reading

Basic shop math

Press-brake operations

Education

High-school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Laser cutter

Water jet

Job description

Overview

SpaceX is developing the technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Starlink Development team fabricates and assembles new product development, production tooling, and automation equipment for the rapidly growing Starlink factory. Technicians work closely with engineering to support high‑impact projects and grow the Starlink production line from development to high‑volume production.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain equipment such as laser cutters, press brakes, and water jets.
• Find novel ways to produce complex sheet‑metal assemblies, often without a defined design.
• Read blueprints to ensure parts meet engineering specifications and customer needs.
• Provide customers with clean, deburred, and complete parts.

Basic Qualifications

• High‑school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• At least 2 years of professional experience running a water‑jet and/or laser cutter.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability to meet daily/weekly production schedules with critical time constraints.
• Ability to read blueprints and perform basic shop math.
• Experience with press‑brake operations.
• Knowledge of sheet‑metal K‑factors and applications.
• Ability to maintain close tolerances per engineering drawings.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work all required shift hours, overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Forklift operation (required).

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range

• Level 1: $23.00 – $29.00
• Level 2: $28.00 – $34.50
• Level 3: $33.00 – $40.00

Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis. Total rewards also include long‑term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan options.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays, and other perks. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.

Legal and Safety Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must be able to obtain any required export‑control authorizations. See U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR) for details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.