Structures Technician (Machining)

SpaceX; California (MO); On-site; USD 31,684 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Stock options

Stock purchase plan

Vacation days

Paid holidays

Employee discounts

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structures Technician (Machining) to modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket components. You will align parts, install fasteners, deburr, and seal using approved processes, working from drawings and tooling instructions.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to read engineering drawings, and experience with precision hand tools. SpaceX emphasizes teamwork and continuous improvement, offering growth opportunities in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• 1+ years in hardware assembly, test, maintenance, material handling, or installation; OR certificate from a trade skills program in A&P, manufacturing, and/or electronics.
• 2+ years of professional structural assembly experience.
• A&P license preferred.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Experience drilling, reaming, honing and/or countersinking straight and close tolerance holes.

Responsibilities

• Modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket and spacecraft components and subcomponents.
• Align parts and secure in place using clecos or tooling/hand clamps.
• Install fasteners in correct sequence per drawing and with correct tools.
• Deburr panels and holes; ensure proper finish and tolerances.
• Load and unload ovens to bond detail parts to assemblies.
• Check work and use QA instruments to ensure per drawing.

Skills

Hardware assembly

Schematic interpretation

Read engineering drawings

Precision measurement tools

Three-dimensional visualization

Numerical calculations

Aerospace experience

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Trade skills certificate in A&P/manufacturing/electronics

Tools

Rivet gun

Drill motor

Reamer

Countersinking tools

Arbor press

Calipers / micrometers

Deburr tools

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 (MACHINING)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket and spacecraft components and subcomponents
• 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
• 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)
• 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
• Deburr panels per drawing, using proper tools (e.g., deburr knife, rotary tools and orbital sander)
• 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
• 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
• Check work after completion of each operation in job and/or completed job to ensure it is complete per drawing
• Self-check work after completion using QA instruments to ensure it is complete per drawing
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in approved manner

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience in hardware assembly, test, maintenance, material handling, and/or installation; OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program in A&P, manufacturing, and/or electronics

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of professional structural assembly experience
• A&P license
• Experience drilling, reaming, honing and/or countersinking straight and close tolerance holes
• Experience gained through the military or within an aviation manufacturing company
• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work all shifts, additional overtime, and weekends as needed
• Must be able to work the following shift:
• 1st shift Monday - Friday: 5AM - 3:30PM
• 2nd shift Monday - Friday: 3:30PM - 2AM
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Pay range:Structures Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour
• Pay range:Structures Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour
• Pay range:Structures Technician/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 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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various other discounts and perks
• You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation
• Will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year

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’sAffirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].