Launch Operations Technician (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level technicians with hands-on mechanical and avionics experience working in high-reliability environments like aerospace or military.

Best fit for

  • Aviation or military veterans with mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
    — “Experience in the aerospace industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment
  • Technicians comfortable operating heavy machinery at extreme heights
    — “Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500 ft.)
  • Candidates who thrive in physically demanding, variable work conditions
    — “Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day

Things to consider

  • Frequent travel required with potential for extended assignments
    — “Must be able to travel for short and extended trips as needed. Up to 30% travel.
  • Work involves prolonged standing and heavy lifting in extreme conditions
    — “Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Must be legally authorized to work under ITAR regulations
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national

How to stand out

  • Document specific instances of pneumatic testing in past roles
    — “Perform fluids and pneumatic testing
  • Highlight FAA Airframe and Powerplant license if applicable
    — “Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant license
  • Show examples of process documentation from previous integration work
    — “Collaborate with production engineers to develop and document integration processes
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Junior

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

What success looks like

  • integrate secondary structure
  • test and install flight hardware
  • develop integration processes
Typical background
propulsion, mechanical, automotive, electrical, or avionics hardware installation experience

Skills & requirements

Required

AssemblyTestingInstallationPrecision ToolsEngineering DrawingsMechanical Tools

Preferred

FAA Airframe And Powerplant LicenseAerospace Industry ExperienceForkliftsCranes

Stack & domain

PropulsionMechanicalElectricalAvionicsPneumaticCheckoutAssemblyTestingInstallationPrecision ToolsMechanical ToolsEngineering DrawingsWork InstructionsProceduresSpecificationsTest InstructionsForkliftsCranesHeavy Transport EquipmentPressureTemperatureFlow Measurement DevicesMechanical SystemsElectrical SystemsPropulsion EnginesMachineryHand And Power ToolsPrecision Measuring InstrumentsMicrosoft OfficeTeamworkProblem SolvingAdaptabilityFaa Airframe And Powerplant LicenseAerospaceAviationMilitary

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.

LAUNCH OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

The launch operations technician is responsible for the integration of all secondary structure, avionics, and stage propulsion components and systems into the vehicle’s primary structure. The task requires both avionics and mechanical integration skills, along with pneumatic and avionics checkout activity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Stage, set up, assemble, test, and install flight hardware

Use precision-calibrated tools

Provide hands-on operations with both large and small fragile assemblies

Oversee heavy rigging for large assemblies

Operate personnel platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)

Read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions

Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions

Use various mechanical tools without prior instruction

Collaborate with production engineers to develop and document integration processes

Ensure all production services are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner

Perform fluids and pneumatic testing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

2+ years of professional propulsion, mechanical, automotive, electrical, or avionics hardware installation experience (experience from a 2+ year technical college program counts)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant license

Experience in the aerospace industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment

Experience with forklifts, cranes, and heavy transport equipment

Knowledge of pressure, temperature, and flow measurement devices, mechanical and electrical systems, and propulsion engines

Skill in operating and manipulating machinery and various hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity

Ability to use precision measuring instruments

Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

Proficient with computers and the ability to use Microsoft Office

Ability to work effectively in a team environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to travel for short and extended trips as needed. Up to 30% travel.

Work is performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.

Regular hours for this position are 6:00 AM-6:00 PM, including extended hours and weekends as needed

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 10 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 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 and 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 for 6 hours or more per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500 ft.), 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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