Friction Stir Welding Technician (Falcon)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-level technicians with hands-on manufacturing experience who are comfortable with aerospace-specific processes and non-traditional shifts.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with mid-level manufacturing experience and a background in aerospace or related industries
    — “Experience in a manufacturing or production environment in the aerospace industry
  • Individuals who can interpret technical documentation and perform precision measurements
    — “Ability to interpret electronic work instructions, process specifications, and technical drawings
  • Technicians who are physically capable of working in dynamic, hardware-centric environments
    — “This is a hands-on position that may require standing for up to 4 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor

Things to consider

  • Shifts include unconventional schedules such as Friday to Monday early morning hours
    — “Friday to Monday, 4:30AM - 4:30PM
  • The role requires physical strength and flexibility, including lifting 25 lbs and working in tight spaces
    — “Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens or residents due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with aerospace manufacturing and precision measurement tools on your resume
    — “Accurately use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches
  • Demonstrate adaptability to non-traditional work schedules and physical labor in your application materials
    — “Must be open to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • Showcase your hands-on experience with complex machinery and maintenance in your profile
    — “Perform periodic maintenance on machines with complex pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems
  • Include any prior experience with non-destructive evaluation techniques if applicable
    — “Experience with surface and sub-surface NDE methodologies (such as dye penetrant inspection or ultrasonic inspection)
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Mid

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

What success looks like

  • set up and operate friction stir welds
  • perform precision blending
  • assist with area projects
Typical background
1+ years of experience in machining, welding, or metal fabrication

Skills & requirements

Required

Friction Stir WeldingPrecision BlendingMachine MaintenancePrecision Measuring ToolsNDE Methodologies

Preferred

PLC TroubleshootingNC Programming

Stack & domain

MachiningWeldingMetal FabricationPLC TroubleshootingHmisNC ProgrammingSurface And Sub-surface NDE MethodologiesDye Penetrant InspectionUltrasonic Inspection

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.

FRICTION STIR WELDING TECHNICIAN (FALCON)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Set up and operate large, motion-controlled machines to create friction stir welds on launch vehicles

Perform precision blending using hand tools to prepare metallic surfaces for welding and non-destructive evaluation

Perform periodic maintenance on machines with complex pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems

Accurately use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches

Assist with area projects to improve safety, quality, and delivery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of experience with machining, welding, or metal fabrication

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

3+ years of industry experience in machining, welding, or metal fabrication

Experience in a manufacturing or production environment in the aerospace industry

Ability to interpret electronic work instructions, process specifications, and technical drawings

Ability to perform basic shop math (such as geometry and trigonometry)

Experience with PLC troubleshooting, HMIs, and NC programming

Experience with surface and sub-surface NDE methodologies (such as dye penetrant inspection or ultrasonic inspection)

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work the following shifts:

Monday to Friday, 5:00AM - 3:30PM

Friday to Monday, 4:30AM - 4:30PM

Must be open to work overtime and weekends as needed

This is a hands-on position that may require standing for up to 4 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor

Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted

Must be comfortable stooping, bending, standing, climbing ladders, or working in tight spaces

Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as required 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    

Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour    

Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour    

Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour       

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.

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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