Toolmaker, R&D (Raptor)

Future Ventures; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 60,614; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Bonuses

401(k) plan

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Paid vacation

Holiday pay

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Toolmaker, R&D (RAPTOR) to fabricate and integrate custom tooling and electro-mechanical systems. You will interpret blueprints, apply GD&T, and collect metrology data using Verisurf and CMMs, ensuring safe operations and high-quality output.

You will collaborate with Raptor Tooling, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams, and may cross-train to provide surge support across related R&D efforts in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certification.
• 1+ years professional experience with toolmaking or metrology or machining.
• Two-year degree (associate or technical) is preferred.
• Experience analyzing data via laser tracker and generating reports; Verisurf experience preferred.
• Ability to locate components with high precision from drawings and models.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with safety as a priority.

Responsibilities

• Understand and apply fabrication techniques to deliver tooling.
• Interpret blueprints with GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Collect data via metrology equipment and evaluate tolerances.
• Provide creative troubleshooting to achieve tool form, fit, and function.
• Ensure safe operations while meeting SpaceX quality standards.
• Communicate with fabricators, machinists, and engineers.
• Cross-train for surge support across Raptor tooling teams.

Skills

Toolmaking

Metrology

GD&T

Leadership

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Associate/technical degree

Tools

Verisurf

CMMs

Portable arms

Optics

Laser trackers

Knee mills

Gear lathes

Waterjets

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:

Pay range:
Toolmaker/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour
Toolmaker/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour
Toolmaker/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-point 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.

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