Launch Pad Technician (Starship) - Multiple Shifts

SpaceX
Cape Canaveral, FL

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level mechanical technicians with hands-on experience in aerospace fluid systems working in high-stakes launch environments.

Best fit for

  • Military aviation technicians transitioning to civilian aerospace roles.
    — “Military aviation experience as a propulsion or airframe technician
  • Process-oriented technicians who improve workflows while maintaining precision.
    — “continually looking forward to needed process improvements, streamlining of work
  • Candidates comfortable working at extreme heights and outdoor conditions.
    — “Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet

Things to consider

  • Must pass Air Force background check for facility access.
    — “Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • 25% travel requirement to alternate work sites.
    — “Willing to travel to alternate work sites to support fabrication activities, up to 25% of time
  • Non-standard shifts including early mornings or late nights.
    — “Monday - Friday 6:00am - 4:30pm or Monday - Friday 4:00pm - 2:30am

How to stand out

  • Quantify experience with cryogenic systems in past roles.
    — “Extensive knowledge of hydraulic and cryogenic systems and operations
  • Show examples of troubleshooting complex mechanical systems under pressure.
    — “Troubleshoot operational issues found during activation of fluid and mechanical systems
  • Highlight certifications for heavy equipment operation.
    — “Experience using heavy equipment, including but not limited to, overhead cranes, forklifts and manlifts
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid Level

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

What success looks like

  • maintaining mechanical and fluid systems
  • troubleshooting operational issues
  • fabricating and installing fluid system components
Typical background
assembly experiencetest experiencemaintenance experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical RepairsTroubleshootingAssemblyHydraulics

Preferred

Cryogenic SystemsHeavy Machinery OperationCalibrated Measurement Devices

Stack & domain

Mechanical TechnicianFluid SystemsHydraulicsHigh-pressure NitrogenHeliumCryogenic SystemsHeavy MachineryAssemblyTestMaintenanceRepairInstallationTroubleshootingOperationsProcess ImprovementWork Process StreamliningTeamworkQuality ControlCost SavingsMicrosoft OfficeMechanical RepairsCalibrated Measurement DevicesHeavy EquipmentHydraulic SystemsCryogenic OperationsSchematicsDrawingsInstructionsLeadershipInitiativeComposureAttitudeResponsibilityHard WorkConscientiousnessSuggestionsProcess ImprovementsStreamliningCommunicationProblem SolvingAttention To DetailAerospaceLaunch OperationsMechanical SystemsCryogenics

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 PAD TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS

We are currently looking for motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic mechanical technicians to maintain the Starship Tower and Launch Mount mechanical and fluid systems in preparation for launch operations. These systems include hydraulics, high-pressure nitrogen and helium, and cryogenic systems. In addition to the required experience below, our ideal candidate is someone who shows personal initiative and maintains composure and a good attitude. SpaceX employees must be responsible, hardworking, and conscientious about the quality of work performed. We need people who are not afraid to make suggestions and won’t get discouraged along the way. Our strongest candidates can produce high-quality work in a timely manner while continually looking forward to needed process improvements, streamlining of work, and cost savings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fabricate and install fluid system components from a schematic or engineering drawing, including but not limited to: ball valves, check valves, pressure regulators, pressure gauges, ¼” to 2” tubing

Troubleshoot operational issues found during activation of fluid and mechanical systems

Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure every system is built with the highest level of quality to support 100% successful launch of a multimillion dollar launch vehicle

Operate heavy machinery including forklifts and aerial platforms

Hands-on operations with both large and small, fragile assemblies

Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly

Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

2+ years of hands on experience in assembly, test, maintenance, repair and/or installation, OR a certificate from an accredited trade skills program

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate degree in aerospace technology or equivalent area of study

Experience working at a rocket launch facility or propulsion test stand in the aerospace industry

Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems

Military aviation experience as a propulsion or airframe technician

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

Experience with mechanical repairs and troubleshooting

Ability to bend and route tube in the field to a high level of accuracy.

Familiarity with calibrated measurement devices including load cells, multimeters, calipers, torque wrenches, depth gauges, and micrometers.

Experience using heavy equipment, including but not limited to, overhead cranes, forklifts and manlifts

Extensive knowledge of hydraulic and cryogenic systems and operations.

Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings, and instructions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

Able to work one of the following shifts:

Monday - Friday 6:00am - 4:30pm

Monday - Friday 4:00pm - 2:30am

Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

Available to work all required shift hours and be available to work overtime, and weekends, as needed

Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet

Willing to travel to alternate work sites to support fabrication activities, up to 25% of time

Able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted; standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying may be required to perform the functions of this position

Able to work outdoors, in conditions such as wind, rain, cold, high heat, and humidity

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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