SPMT Critical Lift Technician (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP (SpaceX) is seeking a Critical Lift Technician to ensure effective operations across multiple launch sites. The role involves heavy machinery operation, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting in a high-stakes environment.

Successful candidates will have a strong background in logistics and equipment management, complemented by a high school diploma. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers and technicians for mission-critical tasks that support SpaceX’s ambitious goals.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience on a critical lift team or a logistics/transport team.
• 2+ years of experience with SPMT operators and/or hydraulic lift trailers.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and install fluid system components from schematics.
• Perform preventative maintenance on mobile cranes and associated GSE.
• Work with a team to ensure high-quality maintenance of systems.

Skills

Logistics teamwork

Heavy machinery operation

Problem-solving

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Associate degree in aerospace technology

Tools

Hydraulic cranes

SPMTs

Calibrated measurement devices

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
• 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.