Fabrication Technician - 2nd Shift

SpaceX
Starbase, TX

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level technicians with industrial mechanical experience comfortable with high-pressure systems and off-hours shifts in aerospace environments.

Best fit for

  • Industrial mechanics with experience in high-pressure fluid systems
    — “2+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipe and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high pressure systems
  • Military or aerospace veterans familiar with ground support equipment
    — “Experience in the space exploration industry, military or other high-reliability operating environment
  • Hands-on problem solvers comfortable with precision instrumentation
    — “Use of precision measuring instruments

Things to consider

  • Non-standard 10-hour shifts from 3PM to 1:30AM
    — “Standard hours for this position are 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM
  • Frequent physical demands including overhead reaching and kneeling
    — “Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Requires eligibility for US government export-controlled work
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national

How to stand out

  • Document specific projects involving cryogenic or hazardous systems
    — “Knowledge of hazardous systems - cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
  • Highlight formal mechanical training certifications
    — “Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage
  • Show examples of process improvements in prior roles
    — “Develop novel ways site wide to streamline processes
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid Level

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • build, maintain, and upgrade mechanical and fluid systems
  • collaborate with design engineers
  • streamline processes and increase reliability of testing operations
Typical background
industrial experiencefabrication and repair of GSE hardware and equipment

Skills & requirements

Required

FabricationMechanical SystemsHigh Pressure SystemsPneumatic ComponentsClean For Oxygen Service StandardsStructural And Engine Test EquipmentQuality PoliciesSafety PoliciesOSHAEPANioshNFPAASMENEC

Preferred

Space Exploration IndustryMilitaryGround Support EquipmentMechanical TrainingHand And Power Tool UsageHigh Vacuum SystemsMedium Pressure SystemsBore Scope Inspection EquipmentNPT And A/N FittingsTest Instrumentation And Control Components

Stack & domain

PumpsTanksValvesPlumbingLiquid Oxygen (lox)Fuel PadGround Support Equipment (gse)High Pressure SystemsMechanical SystemsHigh Vacuum SystemsMedium Pressure SystemsBore Scope Inspection EquipmentNPTA/NPower ToolsHand ToolsHeavy EquipmentPrecision Measuring InstrumentsMechanical And Electrical SchematicsHazardous Systems - Cryogenic, Flammable, Hypergolic, PyrophoricHigh-pressure System Design And HandlingTest Instrumentation And Control ComponentsCollaborationProblem SolvingQuick ThinkingSpace ExplorationMilitaryHigh-reliability Operating EnvironmentAerospace Industry

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

FABRICATION TECHNICIAN - 2ND SHIFT

Fabrication technicians at Starbase, TX, will work to build, maintain, and upgrade mechanical and fluid systems to support various SpaceX rocket testing and launch campaigns. This technician will work with an elite team to rapidly build launch propellant assemblies that will contribute to the Starship program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide ground support equipment (GSE) technician support which involves building, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment such as pumps, tanks, valves and plumbing related to the liquid oxygen (LOX) pad, fuel pad, and other aspects of the site facility

Operating hardware, high pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components

Fabricate and repair GSE hardware and equipment

Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE activities

Ensure all materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards

Build and maintain structural and engine test equipment

Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits or certifications as required

Follow all necessary regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, NFPA, ASME, NEC, etc.

Develop novel ways site wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations

Perform a variety of related duties in support of engine testing and structural test stand programs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate 

2+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipe and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high pressure systems or mechanical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience in the space exploration industry, military or other high-reliability operating environment

Experience in ground support equipment in an aerospace industry

Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling)

Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage

A demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role

Knowledge of high vacuum systems

Knowledge of medium pressure systems

Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment

Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT and A/N

Ability to utilize power tools and hand tools as well as heavy equipment

Use of precision measuring instruments

Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics

Knowledge of hazardous systems - cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric

Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling

Experience using test instrumentation and control components

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Standard hours for this position are 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM

Must be available for overtime and weekends as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility is required

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 3 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day 

Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day 

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day 

Lift/Carry: up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day 

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day 

Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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