SPMT Critical Lift Technician (Starship)

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Critical Lift Technician (Starship) to move boosters and ground support equipment across launch sites, perform preventive maintenance on cranes and SPMTs, and support high-quality system readiness for launches. You will work with engineers and technicians to ensure safe, on-time operations and adhere to strict safety standards.

The role requires experience with heavy equipment and rigging, ability to read engineering drawings, and willingness to travel 25–50% plus extended

Qualifications

• 1+ years on a critical lift team or logistics/transport.
• NCCCO/NCCER certifications in crane, rigging, ironworking, and heavy equipment operations preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering work instructions/drawings and verify loads, securing methods, and lift plans.

Responsibilities

• Move Booster/Ship and associated ground support equipment (GSE) across multiple launch sites.
• Perform preventive maintenance on mobile cranes, cranes, and SPMTs.
• Work with technicians and engineers to ensure systems and equipment are maintained with the highest quality to support current and future manifest.
• Utilize heavy machinery (forklifts, cranes, SPMTs, etc.) to lift and move flight hardware and GSE after delivery and before shipping.
• Evaluate in-transit risks and provide on-site solutions including routing, escorts, and drivers.
• Make recommendations to logistics management to improve health, timing, and safety of movements.
• Troubleshoot issues on the vehicle press system and maintain fluid system components.
• Set up, inspect, operate, and maintain hydraulic self-propelled modular transporters, hydraulic booms, and crawler cranes.
• Tear down and assemble configurations of Cranes and SPMTs.

Skills

Rigging

Crane operation

Load handling

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree in aerospace technology

Tools

SPMTs

Hydraulic cranes

Forklifts

GSE 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.
CRITICAL LIFT TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)
Responsibilities

• Responsible for Booster/Ship and associated ground support equipment (GSE) movement across multiple launch sites
• Perform preventative maintenance on mobile cranes, cranes, and SPMTs
• Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure systems and equipment are maintained with the highest level of quality to support current and future manifest
• Utilize heavy machinery (standard and high capacity forklifts, telehandlers, mobile hydraulic/crawler cranes, SPMTs, high reach man lifts, overhead cranes) to lift and move flight hardware and associated GSE after delivery and before shipping
• Evaluate in-transit risks and provide on-site solutions to alleviate risk. Including routing, repairs, escorts, and drivers – including physical escorts across launch sites
• Make recommendations to logistics management to improve the health, timing, and safety of all movements
• Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure systems and mechanical equipment are built with the highest level of quality to support the successful launch of our multi-million dollar launch vehicle
• Troubleshoot operational issues found on the vehicle press system
• Maintain and install fluid system components from a schematic or drawing including ball and check valves, pressure regulators and gauges, etc.
• Set up, inspect, operate, and perform maintenance on hydraulic self-propelled modular transporters, hydraulic booms and crawler cranes
• Perform tear down and assembly of different configurations associated with Cranes and SPMTs
  

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience on a critical lift team or a logistics/transport team
  

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 2+ years of experience with SPMT operators and/or hydraulic lift trailers
• 2+ years of with mobile hydraulic and/or crawler cranes for delicate lifting operations (ex. Wind farms, power plants, oil refineries) and 2+ years of experience in rigging
• NCCCO/NCCER certifications in crane, rigging, ironworking, and heavy equipment operations (ex. TLL, TSS, LAT, OVR, RIG-I/II, SGP)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering work instructions/drawings and verify that the given load, securing method, transport, and loading/unloading processes are carried out successfully and in accordance with transport or lift plan
• Experience with organization and ability to multi-task, detail-oriented while also working within time constraints and deadlines
• Associate degree in aerospace technology or equivalent area of study
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems
• Familiarity with calibrated measurement devices including load cells, multimeters, calipers, torque wrenches, depth gauges, and micrometers
  

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends, which varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required (day shift: 6 AM - 6 PM and night shift: 6 PM - 6 AM)
• Ability to pass Airforce background check for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Able to tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, and/or around obstacles using multi-point rigging techniques
• Flexibility to travel 25-50% of the time
• Valid Driver's license
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
  

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.
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