Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary

Rocket Lab; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company seeks a Thermal Development Technician for a temporary position focused on developing and fabricating thermal protection systems for next-generation rockets. Ideal candidates will be hands-on, possess a high school diploma, and have experience with various tools, including precision measuring instruments. This role involves working in diverse environments, such as factories and labs, to ensure astronaut safety during atmospheric entry, with opportunities for permanent hire based on performance.

Benefits

Potential discretionary bonuses

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

10 or more paid holidays per year

Qualifications

• Experience with hand tools and hand-held power tools.
• Ability to operate personnel platforms and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Familiarity with thermal protection systems (TPS) and robotic automation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers and components for thermal protection systems.
• Document processes and perform inspections on products.
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery.

Skills

Ability to use precision measuring instruments

Experience with hand tools

Comfortable working with ceramic materials

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Personal platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts)

Precision measuring instruments (calipers, height gauge)

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.

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) - TEMPORARY

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:

This is a TEMPORARY position with SpaceX, for the length of time as stated, and is subject to change with minimal notice as business needs dictate.

• 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.)
• Ability work at elevated heights (10’ to 185’+)
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain, wind)
• Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
• Willing to travel
• Willing to work overtime when necessary
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• 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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Thermal Development Technician/Level 1: $21.00/hour
Thermal Development Technician/Level 2: $26.00/hour
Thermal Development Technician/Level 3: $31.00/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 potential discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, and various other discounts and perks. You will also 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’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].