Thermal Protection Technician – Starship

Starlink; Texas; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in the United States is seeking a Thermal Development Technician (STARSHIP) to join the TPS team. You will preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, tiles, coatings, and other components for thermal protection systems, and you will document processes to ensure repeatable results.

This hands‑on position blends office work, shop floor tasks, and lab work, with deliberate safety procedures and the ability to work on large equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Experience with various types of hand tools or hand‑held power tools.
• Preferred: precision measurement, TPS/PICA, and ability to follow procedures.
• Experience setting up assemblies in processing and curing equipment.
• Ability to mix using scales for coatings and sealants.
• Comfort with solvents and ceramic precursors; working knowledge of kilns.

Responsibilities

• Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders.
• Fabricate ceramic billets, tiles, coatings, and other TPS components.
• Basic fabrication, surface prep, bonding, and oven curing.
• Document processes precisely for repeatable results.
• Perform product inspection and rework as required.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and notes.
• Assist in maintenance and repair of production machinery.

Skills

Precision measurement

Follow procedures

Assembly setup

Weighing accuracy

Chemical handling

TPS/PICA experience

Sealants application

Math skills

MS Office

Robotics/PLC basics

HMI experience

Welding basics

Robotic automation

PLC in automation

Tools

Kuka robots

6-axis robots

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Simantic HMIs

Ovens / high temperature kilns

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)

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 and 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

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 to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Possess a valid Driver License
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• 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].