Propulsion Technician (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, TX

Who this role is best for

Geared toward mid-level candidates with mechanical expertise and hands-on experience in aerospace or manufacturing, comfortable with operating CNC equipment and working in tight spaces at Starbase, TX.

Best fit for

  • Mid-level candidates with mechanical experience and a background in aerospace or automotive manufacturing
    — “1+ years of experience working in a manufacturing, automotive, or aerospace environment
  • Individuals with strong fluid and electrical systems knowledge and attention to detail
    — “Knowledge of fluid systems, pressure, temperature and flow measurement devices; mechanical and electrical systems; propulsion systems
  • Candidates who thrive in physically demanding environments and can work independently or in teams
    — “The ability to work independently or as part of a team, meet aggressive schedules, operate equipment safely and efficiently

Things to consider

  • Must be physically capable of working in tight spaces, at heights, and in hot environments for extended periods
    — “Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 6 hour per day
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required 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 CNC rotary draw bending and tube cutting machines on your resume
    — “Set-up and operate CNC rotary draw bending machines while conforming to tight tolerances
  • Emphasize your ability to troubleshoot propulsion system anomalies and follow detailed test procedures
    — “the ability to troubleshoot anomalies, and can work autonomously to defined schedules
  • Showcase your documentation and problem-solving skills, especially in resolving non-conformances
    — “appropriately document and work with engineering to resolve non-conformances
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Junior

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

What success looks like

  • Maintained professional work area
  • Built and tested rocket hardware
Typical background
High school diploma1+ years manufacturing experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Assembly And TestingMechanical KnowledgeTroubleshootingCNC Operation

Preferred

A&P LicenseASE Master Certification

Stack & domain

Mechanical KnowledgeAssemblyTestingCNC MachinesFluid SystemsPressure MeasurementTemperature MeasurementFlow MeasurementElectrical SystemsPropulsion SystemsMathematical SkillsComputer SkillsProblem-solvingDecision-makingCommunication SkillsTeamworkIndependenceSafety AwarenessQuality FocusA&p LicenseASE Master CertificationManufacturingAerospaceMechanical Engineering

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 (STARSHIP)

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. This is a dynamic position that requires the flexibility to work on different systems, the ability to troubleshoot anomalies, and can work autonomously to defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront of everything that is done.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Responsible for maintaining a professional and neat work area, as well as maintaining tools, valves, tubes, and manifolds for advanced subassemblies 

Responsible for staging, build, testing, install, and proofing of production advanced subassemblies for Starship/Super-Heavy

Verification of fluids and electrical connections using diagrams for advanced subassemblies for Starship/Super-Heavy propulsion systems

Perform testing and operate all testing equipment needed for pressurized checkouts and use computer network systems, as well as testing procedure as described in the test instruction

Accept or reject test units based on defined acceptance criteria, appropriately document and work with engineering to resolve non-conformances

Perform all work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions

Set-up and operate CNC rotary draw bending machines while conforming to tight tolerances

Set-up and operate of CNC tube cutting equipment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of experience working in a manufacturing, automotive, or aerospace environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

A&P license or ASE Master certification strongly desired

5+ years of mechanical or similar experience is a plus

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

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

The ability to work independently or as part of a team, meet aggressive schedules, operate equipment safely and efficiently

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Open to work all shifts, overtime and weekends as needed

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

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day

Walk: Up to 3 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 1 hour per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 6 hour per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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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