Structures Technician (Machining)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock options

Medical, vision and dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structures Technician (Machining) to modify, repair, assemble and install rocket and spacecraft components. You will align parts, drill, countersink, and fasten parts per detailed drawings, using appropriate tools and fixtures.

The role requires experience in hardware assembly and the ability to read engineering drawings, with shift flexibility including nights and weekends. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, 1+ years in hardware assembly, and knowledge of

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years of hardware assembly, test, maintenance, material handling or installation experience or a related certificate.
• U.S. citizen or eligible for export-authorizations per U.S. regs.
• Must be available for 1st or 2nd shift, overtime and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket and spacecraft components and subcomponents.
• Use tooling holes, pilot holes, or by hand per drawing or tooling instructions.
• Align parts and secure with clecos or clamps.
• Install fasteners in correct sequence using rivet guns and other tools.
• Self-check work and verify against drawings with QA instrumentation.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials properly.

Skills

3D visualization

Engineering drawings

Hand tools

Drilling/reaming

Structural assembly

Precision measuring tools

Military aviation experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade skills program certificate (A&P/Manufacturing/Electronics)

A&P license

Tools

Arbor press

Hydraulic puller

Rivet gun

Drill motor

Power screwdriver

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

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• 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

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, 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.

EEO STATEMENT

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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].