Propulsion Technician (Raptor Foundry)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, US
On-site

Why this role

Pace
Fast Paced
Collaboration
High
Autonomy
Medium
Decision Impact
Team
Role Level
Team Lead

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

What success looks like

  • master evolving processes
  • drive improvements that support SpaceX's mission
  • collaborate with design, tooling, and quality engineers to transition products from design to high-volume production
Typical background
industrial manufacturing or production environmentshands-on experience in industrial manufacturing

Transferable backgrounds

  • Coming from manufacturing
  • Coming from production
  • Coming from quality control

Skills & requirements

Required

Heavy Industrial Equipment OperationFoundry ProcessesInvestment CastingSurface Preparation And FinishingPart Inspection And Quality ControlPreventive Maintenance On MachineryMetal Fabrication

Preferred

HMI, PLC, Or Robot Programming For Industrial AutomationStrong Manual DexterityAbility To Communicate Effectively Across All Organizational LevelsExceptional Attention To Detail And Safety

Stack & domain

Robotic SystemsBurnout FurnacesAbrasive SawsWaterjetsGrit Blasting MachineryCarbidesHeat Treat OvensSla PrintingHmiPlcRobot ProgrammingProblem SolvingTeamworkCommunicationAttention To DetailSafetyManufacturingIndustrial ProductionPropulsion SystemsProductionIndustrial

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 FOUNDRY)

We are seeking a motivated, adaptable, and detail-oriented individual with a strong industrial background who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments. As a Foundry Technician, you will leverage your hands-on experience to master evolving processes, operate heavy industrial equipment safely and efficiently, and drive improvements that support SpaceX's mission to build revolutionary launch vehicles and spacecraft. If you have a track record in industrial production and are eager to contribute to cutting-edge propulsion systems, we want to hear from you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operate and maintain robotic systems for shell manufacturing, including part loading, in-process inspection, and slurry sampling

Perform operation of burnout furnaces, including cutting and placement of insulation on molds

Assist pour operations team with mold transfer processes using robotic equipment, forklifts, and other assisted lift methods

Operate large industrial equipment such as abrasive saws, waterjets, and grit blasting machinery to support de-shelling and casting mold operations

Read and interpret work order instructions to blend and remove material using carbides or other hand tools, ensuring critical dimensional tolerances are met

Handle part transfers and documentation using heat treat ovens

Support SLA printing and related finishing/assembly tasks as part of broader production workflows

Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvements

Collaborate with design, tooling, and quality engineers to transition products from design to high-volume production

Provide hands-on support across foundry operations to maintain efficiency and quality

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of hands-on experience in industrial manufacturing or production environments, including one or more of the following: heavy industrial equipment operation, surface preparation and finishing, part inspection and quality control, preventive maintenance (PMs) on machinery, metal fabrication, or operating lab/manufacturing equipment

Experience documenting process improvements and working in team-based production settings

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

2+ years of hands-on experience with foundry processes, investment casting, or operation of large-scale industrial equipment (e.g., robotics, furnaces, saws, or blasting systems)

3+ years in a professional manufacturing or production role, with a focus on scaling operations or handling complex industrial workflows

Proven track record of creative problem solving, implementing cost reductions, and driving process optimizations in industrial settings

Experience starting up new work centers, establishing documented processes, and introducing new products from design to production

Familiarity with HMI, PLC, or robot programming for industrial automation

Strong manual dexterity for tasks like sanding, cutting, assembly, and precision finishing

Comfortable adapting to a mix of repetitive production tasks and innovative process development

Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels

Exceptional attention to detail and safety awareness in high-stakes environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be available for 1st shift (5:00 AM - 3:30 PM)

Must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed

Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs

Must be able to climb ladders and stairs and work in small, restricted areas

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

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

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

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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