Structures Technician (Dragon)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 65,904,000 - 108,886,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structures Technician (Dragon) in Hawthorne to modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket and spacecraft components. You will use drilling, reaming, countersinking, and hand tools per drawings, align parts, and secure them with clecos and fasteners.

The role requires hands-on mechanical/electrical assembly experience, blueprint literacy, and the ability to read 3D notes from 2D drawings. Overtime and varied shifts are common in this high-volume aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• 1+ years of mechanical/electrical assembly experience.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic accurately.
• Experience visualizing 3D shapes from 2D drawings.
• Experience using hand and precision tools.

Responsibilities

• Modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket and spacecraft components.
• Use proper drilling, reaming, countersinking and hand tools as per drawings.
• Align parts and secure with clecos, clamps, and fasteners.
• Disassemble parts and deburr holes for fastener installation.
• Apply sealants and finishes as required per spec.
• Load/unload ovens and handle hazardous materials safely.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Arithmetic calculations

3D visualization

Hand tools proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Drill bits

Reamers

Countersinking tools

Arbor press

Hydraulic puller

Rivet gun

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.

STRUCTURES TECHNICIAN (DRAGON)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Modification, repair, assembly, and installation of the rocket and spacecraft.
• Use tooling holes, pilot holes, or by hand (as required), per drawing or tooling instructions.
• Align parts and secure in place using clecos or tooling/hand clamps.
• Check for good edge margins and alignment.
• Shim and/or trim parts as required.
• Select drill bits, reamers and/or countersinking tools for pilot and full size holes.
• Locate, drill pilot holes using drill motor and proper size drill bit(s).
• Drill, ream, countersink full size holes in parts/assemblies, in proper sequence and to correct size using drill motor.
• Set countersinking tools to proper depth as required.
• Disassemble parts and deburr holes using chip chasers, deburring tools, and files to prepare for installation of fasteners.
• Use solvents to clean surfaces prior to sealing or assembly.
• Apply sealant, alodine, primer, adhesives, special finishes.
• Load and unload ovens to bond detail parts to assemblies.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in approved manner.
• Determine and obtain correct type and size fasteners.
• Cold work holes to prepare for close tolerance fastener installation.
• Install bushings into housings using arbor press and/or hydraulic puller.
• Apply liquid nitrogen to facilitate installation of bushings.
• Install fasteners in correct sequence per drawing, using correct tools (e.g., rivet gun and bucking bar, drill motor, power screwdriver, C-squeeze, ratchet wrench, nut runner).
• Check work after completion of each operation in job and/or completed job to ensure it is complete per drawing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 1+ years of mechanical/electrical assembly experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience gained through the military or within an aviation manufacturing company.
• High-volume manufacturing experience.
• Experience drilling, reaming, honing and/or countersinking straight and close tolerance holes.
• Experience using various types of hand tools and/or hand-held power tools, floor-mounted power tools and precision measuring tools.
• Capable of visualizing a three-dimensional shape from a two-dimensional view and understanding symbols, flag notes, and general notes.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals and fractions).
• Experience making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Experience operating computing equipment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed. Approximate shift start times: 1st shift (5 AM); 2nd shift (3 PM).
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00

Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50

Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: 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 potential 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, access to 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 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affi… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].