Toolmaker, R&D (Raptor)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Toolmaker in R&D for Raptor tooling. You will fabricate, assemble, and activate custom tooling from fixtures to electro-mechanical systems. Hands-on mindset and collaboration with engineers are essential to deliver critical production equipment.

This role involves interpreting blueprints with GD&T, collecting metrology data, and ensuring safety and quality on the shop floor while supporting surge needs across Raptor projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certification.
• 1+ years professional experience with toolmaking or metrology or machining as described.
• Two-year degree (associate or technical) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understand and apply fabrication techniques to deliver production and development tooling.
• Interpret blueprints with GD&T understanding per ASME Y14.5.
• Collect geometric data via metrology equipment and Verisurf for analysis.
• Apply creative solutions to achieve tool form, fit, and function.
• Ensure safe operations while meeting SpaceX quality standards.
• Communicate with fabricators, machinists, engineers, and other parties.
• Cross-train to provide surge support for Raptor tooling projects.

Skills

Toolmaking

Metrology

GD&T

Verisurf

CMMs

Blueprint reading

Machining basics

Education

High school diploma

Associate or technical degree preferred

Tools

Knee mills

Gear lathes

Inspection tools

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.

TOOLMAKER, R&D (RAPTOR)

Work with the Raptor Tooling and Automation Engineers in fabricating, integrating and activating custom designed tools from simple fixtures to full electro-mechanical robot systems. Hands-on mentality and flexibility are essential for delivering critical Raptor production equipment

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand and apply fabrication techniques to deliver production and development tooling
• Interpret blueprints of varying complexity with a fundamental understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Collect geometric data via metrology equipment through model-based software such as Verisurf. Evaluate analysis for out-of-tolerance conditions, communicating issues to engineering and troubleshooting as required.
• Apply creative solutions and troubleshooting methods to achieve tool's form, fit, and functions
• Ensure operations can be performed safely while meeting SpaceX quality standards
• Effectively communicate to fabricators, machinists, assemblers, engineers, and other parties as required
• Cross train with Raptor R&D and Automation and Controls to be able to provide surge support as required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certification
• 1+ years professional experience with toolmaking or metrology (e.g. performing inspections, using CMMs, portable arms, optics, or laser trackers) or machining (e.g. completing simple components from blueprints, creating blueprints, operating knee mills and gear lathes, using inspection tools, waterjets)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Two-year degree (associate or technical)
• Experience analyzing data via laser tracker (or equivalent) and generating data reports (experience with Verisurf preferred)
• Ability to locate components with high precision as defined by engineering provided drawings and models
• Strong mechanical aptitude, with ability to quickly troubleshoot issues using design & fabrication skillset
• Ability to visualize and comprehend complex geometries in 3D space, for both small and large scale fabrication tasks
• Ability to use and learn a variety of software to analyze and communicate pertinent information
• Demonstrates leadership and dependability
• Ability to adapt to an extremely dynamic work environment while maintaining a positive attitude
• Apply diverse thinking and leverage past experience to find solutions to novel problems
• Ability to maintain the highest level of safety on the job site, striving to always look for ways to improve safety in a dynamic work environment
• Desire to integrate with teams that can change in size and personnel daily and contribute their skills to its cohesion, and effectiveness
• Experience operating conventional and/or portable mills and lathes or boring bars
• Experience with reading electrical and pneumatic schematics
• Experience with overhead bridge cranes, gantries, mobile cranes and other lifting devices. Familiarity with best rigging practices and handling large, heavy, and imbalanced components preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Travel to different sites (ex. McGregor) up to 20% of the time
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 35 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Work longer shifts, OT and weekends, as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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 long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

• 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 Affimative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail] .

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