Fabrication Technician

SpaceX
McGregor, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level technicians with hands-on experience in high-pressure systems and aerospace ground support equipment, working in physically demanding outdoor environments.

Best fit for

  • Industrial technicians experienced with high-pressure systems and mechanical repairs
    — “2+ years of industrial experience, such as installing pipe and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high-pressure systems or mechanical systems
  • Military or aerospace veterans familiar with hazardous material handling
    — “Experience in the space exploration industry, military, or other high-reliability operating environments
  • Problem-solvers adept at improvising equipment fixes under constraints
    — “A demonstrated experience where quick thinking and problem-solving play a critical role

Things to consider

  • Must be willing to work at heights up to 300 feet
    — “Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
  • Requires tolerance for extreme temperatures and hazardous fumes
    — “Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, etc.
  • Overtime and rotating shifts are mandatory based on operational needs
    — “Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts as needed based on site operational needs

How to stand out

  • Detail any certifications related to high-pressure or cryogenic systems
    — “Knowledge of hazardous systems - cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
  • Showcase experience collaborating with engineers on technical documentation
    — “Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE activities
  • Highlight specific projects involving precision measuring instruments
    — “Use of precision measuring instruments
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Junior

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

What success looks like

  • maintained and repaired equipment
  • developed novel ways to streamline processes
Typical background
fabricationmechanical

Skills & requirements

Required

FabricationMechanical AptitudeHigh-pressure Systems

Preferred

Space ExplorationCryogenic Systems

Stack & domain

FabricationMechanicalPneumaticProblem-solvingTeamworkAerospace

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

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), fuel pad, and other aspects of the site facility 

Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed 

Operate and maintain 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 and safety policies 

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 environments 

Experience in ground support equipment in the 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 play a critical role 

Knowledge of high vacuum systems 

Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment 

Knowledge of different fittings such as national pipe taper (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: 

Valid driver’s license

Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions

The ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position (up to 25lbs unassisted)

Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE

Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, etc.

Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and hazardous environments

Must be able to work in elevated PPE, including supplied air respirators and chemical-resistant self-encapsulating suits

Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required

Must be able to and available for travel (up to 20% of the time), including military and government installations 

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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