Propulsion Technician (Raptor) - 2nd Shift

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have hands-on manufacturing experience in aerospace propulsion systems. The role emphasizes technical execution, safety, and adaptability in a 2nd shift setting.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with hands-on manufacturing experience in aerospace propulsion systems and a willingness to work independently on tight schedules
    — “the ability to work autonomously on defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront”
  • Individuals with mechanical expertise in welding, brazing, and precision tool use for engine hardware assembly
    — “Clean, prepare and assemble a variety of combustion devices hardware for processes such as electron beam (EB) welding, TIG welding, or brazing”
  • People who have worked on aircraft or rocket engines and are comfortable with troubleshooting and test data analysis
    — “2+ years of experience working on aircraft or rocket engines”

Things to consider

  • The 2nd shift schedule includes overtime and weekend work as needed
    — “This is a 2nd shift role working from 3:30 PM - 2:00 AM, overtime and weekends as needed”
  • Candidates must be physically capable of lifting 25 lbs and working in tight spaces for extended periods
    — “Able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted”
  • The role requires U.S. citizenship or legal residency due to ITAR export regulations
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with precision tools and adherence to technical specifications in your resume and interview responses
    — “Use precision calibrated tools – torque wrenches, micrometers and calipers”
  • Highlight your ability to troubleshoot propulsion systems and interpret test data for alignment with the role's technical requirements
    — “Troubleshoot engines and cell systems”
  • Showcase your experience with heavy equipment and combustion device assembly in your application materials
    — “Stage, install, set-up, test and de-tool all major Raptor combustion devices engine hardware”
  • Demonstrate your ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment, as this is a key part of the role
    — “Clean tools, valves, regulators and maintain a professional and neat work area”
  • Include any relevant experience with automated asset user interfaces or hydrostatic proof booths in your application
    — “Ability to operate and understand readouts on automated asset user interfaces and hydrostatic proof booth”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • assembly and testing of rocket hardware
  • troubleshooting anomalies
Typical background
propulsion technicianmechanical technician

Skills & requirements

Required

Assembly And TestingMechanical KnowledgeTroubleshootingTeamwork

Preferred

A&P LicenseAerospace Engines Experience

Stack & domain

AssemblyTestingWeldingTeamworkProblem SolvingDecision-makingA&P LicenseAerospacePropulsion

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.

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (RAPTOR) - 2nd Shift

Candidates should possess a combination of solid mechanical knowledge, hands-on experience and the willingness and ability to learn. The propulsion technician is responsible for assembly and testing of rocket hardware and associated sub-assemblies. This is a dynamic position that requires the flexibility to work on different systems, the ability to troubleshoot anomalies, and the ability to work autonomously on defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront of everything that is done.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions for Raptor combustion devices and thermal protection systems

Operate machinery such as vacuum furnaces, ultrasonic immersion, proof/waterflow booths

Clean, prepare and assemble a variety of combustion devices hardware for processes such as electron beam (EB) welding, TIG welding, or brazing

Read and interpret technical drawings and follow detailed work instructions

Use precision calibrated tools – torque wrenches, micrometers and calipers

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

Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment

Perform blending, filing and shearing of metal piece parts

Clean tools, valves, regulators and maintain a professional and neat work area

Stage, install, set-up, test and de-tool all major Raptor combustion devices engine hardware

Troubleshoot engines and cell systems

Operate test cell instrumentation and use computer network systems as well as test units as described in the test instruction

Accept or reject test units based on calculated test data and results

Perform work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of experience in manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

A&P license

2+ years of experience working on aircraft or rocket engines

5+ years of aerospace engines experience

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

Strong mathematical, basic computer, problem solving and decision-making skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently or as part of a team to meet aggressive schedules

Ability to operate and understand readouts on automated asset user interfaces and hydrostatic proof booth

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted

This is a 2nd shift role working from 3:30 PM - 2:00 AM, overtime and weekends as needed

Able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours minimum

Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Propulsion Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour              

Propulsion Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour              

Propulsion 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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