Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Thermal Development Technician for its facility in Cape Canaveral, FL. This role involves processing ceramic fibers and manufacturing components for thermal protection systems essential for our rockets and spacecraft. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and have at least 1 year of experience in manufacturing or production. Ideal candidates are comfortable working with specialized materials and must be able to pass a background check for the Air Force. The position offers multiple shift options.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operations.
• Comfortable working with solvents and inorganic acids and bases.
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral.

Responsibilities

• Process and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders.
• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, and thermal gap fillers.
• Document processes to replicate material processing.

Skills

Production or manufacturing assembly

Mechanical testing (Instron)

Composite tooling materials

Mathematical concepts

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Ovens

High temperature kilns

Monitoring probes

Job description

Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

Cape Canaveral, FL

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.

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, HEAT SHIELD (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems by developing and producing the heat shields for our next-generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry.

Responsibilities

• Process and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products
• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
• Prepare basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging; check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, and perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven curing
• Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing
• Perform product inspection and rework as required
• Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ year of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operations

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
• Experience with composite tooling materials
• Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)
• Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications
• Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases
• Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)
• Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes
• Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • Day shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
  • Night shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
• Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime as necessary, to support business needs
• Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Willing to travel to other sites to support critical business needs (up to 10% of the time)
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• 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 Affna or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].