Test Operations Technician (Falcon Test)

Spacex; McGregor, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Test Operations Technician for Falcon Test to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain rocket hardware and test equipment. The role involves working at the rocket development facility, including test stands and hangar operations, with exposure to engine test rumblings and demanding schedules.

Responsibilities include preparing test articles, ensuring safety and on-time service, conducting post-test inspections, and collaborating with engineers to document activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years experience with mechanical/high‑pressure/fuid systems or heavy equipment.
• 3+ years experience using power tools and hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test articles and stands for testing.
• Maintain and troubleshoot test equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform post-test inspections to ensure flight-worthiness.
• Collaborate with engineers to document activities.
• Ensure cleanliness and inspection of components per standards.
• Operate high‑pressure systems and related hardware.

Skills

Mechanical systems

High-pressure systems

Heavy equipment

Power tools

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in engineering/technical field

Tools

Calibrated tooling

Crane operations

Vacuum systems

NPT fittings

Job description

Test Operations Technician (Falcon Test)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

TEST OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN (FALCON TEST)

Test operations technicians assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance and work on integrated rocket hardware, including fuel tanks and integrated stages, as well as supporting test equipment. These test operations technicians enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our robust test stands, supporting test operations first-hand, as well as in the hangar where stage integration takes place. Testoperations technicians enjoy experiencing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations
• Ensure all test stand-related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Perform post-test operations and inspections to ensure a flight-worthy vehicle
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
• Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment needed for test operations
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities
• Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards
• Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components
• Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
• Monitor and maintain a reasonable inventory of cryogenic equipment, pneumatic equipment, fittings, hoses, and other supplies necessary to perform test operations
• Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement ofdefective components
• Process work orders and maintenance tickets
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of stage testing, as well as testing site-wide, as needed
• Develop novel ways site-wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
• 3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in an engineering, technical, or mechanical field
• A&P license
• Experience in airframe structural repair
• Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
• Experience with thetesting process and optimization of test processes
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
• Experience in ground support equipment in theaerospace industry
• Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation
• Experience with crane and lift operations
• Knowledge of vacuum systems
• Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, A/N, and Swagelok
• A demonstrated ability to read/understand technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
• Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing) between other employees and customers
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Anticipated hours are 6:00 AM–3:30 PM or 3:00 PM–12:30 AM (rotating shifts)
• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as operational needs; flexibility required
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to travel for short and extended trips as needed (< 20% travel)
• Ability to work in tight quarters that require physical dexterity
• Ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position (up to 25 Ibs unassisted)
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, etc.
• Ability to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• 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 Affinity Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.