Utility Operator Specialist - Level 4/5

Spacex; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Starbase, TX is seeking a Utility Operator Specialist - Level 4/5 to own equipment performance across industrial systems, including engines, motors, valves, and control equipment. You will monitor process parameters, calibrate instruments, and coordinate with engineers and technicians to sustain reliability and safety in a high‑output environment.

The role requires hands-on experience with automated processes, strong trouble‑shooting skills, and the ability to read schematics and P&ID

Qualifications

• Associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering technology with 4+ years in automated processes, or a HS diploma with 6+ years in the listed areas.
• Areas include: control room operations, plant operations, mechanic/millwright support, instrumentation/electrical operations.
• Experience reading P&ID and schematic wiring diagrams is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate a variety of process equipment including compressors, analyzers, control systems, and valves.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid and mechanical designs in the field.
• Coordinate with engineers and technicians to create operating procedures and ensure resources are available for builds.
• Maintain a mature hardware inventory system using system knowledge and documentation; procure critical spares.
• Learn and run standard operating procedures on the machinery.

Skills

Process control

Troubleshooting

Field instrumentation

Mechanical systems

Education

Associate degree in engineering technology

High school diploma

Tools

P&ID diagrams

Schematic wiring diagrams

Lockout/tagout

Electrical switchgear

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.

UTILITY OPERATOR SPECIALIST - LEVEL 4/5

SpaceX is seeking utility operators for its Starbase, TX facility. Ideally, the operator has experience working with industrial processes that utilize engines, motors, fluid piping, electrical equipment, and instrumented controls. This position entails ownership of equipment performance and reliability by monitoring process parameters and maintaining components, with a keen eye for leading indicators of instability or malfunction, and a drive to correct those issues in advance of undesirable events.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate a variety of process equipment including centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, gas analyzers, control systems, instrument electrical systems and process control valves
• Work with engineers, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid and mechanical designs in the field
• Work with engineers and technicians to create operating proceduresCoordinate across multiple disciplines to ensure that required resources are available to complete builds
• Use knowledge of systems and existing documentation like schematics and parts lists to create and maintain a mature and efficient hardware inventory system - including procurement of critical spares
• Learn and run standard operating procedures on the machinery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering technology and 4+ years of experience working with automated processes in one of the following areas; OR a high school diploma or equivalency certificate and 6+ years of experience in one of the following areas:
  • Control room operations
  • Plant operations
  • Mechanic/millwright support
  • Instrumentation/electrical operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Holds a Class B or higher Water Operator and/or Wastewater Operator license through TCEQ or equivalent
• Basic understanding of process parameters and engineering units for temperature, pressure, flow, and power
• Ability to read and understand P&ID and schematic wiring diagrams
• Familiar with mechanical equipment and systems requiring the isolation of the malfunction, disassembly of industrial machinery and repair/replacement of bearings, gears, structural components
• Familiar with lock out tag out, job hazard analysis, hot work permitting
• Familiar with 120V, 480V, and 4160V electrical switchgear and components

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing and able to work outside with hand tools, which includes the ability to stand, walk, climb, and work with objects overhead
• Required to climb ladders to elevated platforms and operate man-lifts at elevations in excess of 100 feet
• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed

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