Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary

SpaceX; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Thermal Development Technician for a temporary assignment at Starbase, Texas. This role involves manufacturing and inspecting ceramic components crucial for the thermal protection systems of the next-generation rockets.

Candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience with hand tools. The position requires the ability to work with challenging materials and follow strict protocols in a high-paced environment.

Physical capability to perform various tasks and shifts is also crucial.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate required.
• Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools is essential.

Responsibilities

• Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for next-tier products.
• Document processes precisely to replicate the steps in material processing.
• Perform product inspection and rework as required.

Skills

Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools

Ability to use precision measuring instruments

Ability to operate personnel platforms

Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing

Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts

Fluent in Microsoft Office platform

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Job description

Thermal Development Technician (starship) - Temporary

Manufacture and inspect ceramic components for Starship TPS in a temporary assignment

Location: Starbase, Texas, United States

Job Tags: Hardware

About The Role

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration's toughest problems by developing 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. As a technician on the TPS team, you will thrive in a hands‑on environment. You will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the mission to bring the capability of flying astronauts back to the United States.

Responsibilities

• Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next‑tier products (candidate must be comfortable working with these types of ceramic materials)
• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
• Basic fabrication, surface preparation for 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 for drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

Position Details

• Length of position: 3 months (permanent hire conversion based on performance and business need)
• Location: Starbase, TX

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Experience with various types of hand tools or hand‑held power tools

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability to use precision measuring instruments (calipers, height gauge, depth mic)
• Ability to operate personnel platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)
• Ability to perform work according to procedures and specifications
• Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
• Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales 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
• Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel)
• Experience operating and maintaining Kuka or other 6 –axis robots
• Experience in using Simantic or other HMIs
• Basic understanding of stud arc welding
• Basic understanding of robotic automation
• Experience working with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in an automation setting

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • Monday- Friday (6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
  • Monday -Friday (6:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.)
• Possess a valid Drivers License
• Sit: Up to 1 hour per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 6 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees Up to 1 hour per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
• Candidate may be required to complete a pre‑employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

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 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].