Raptor Manufacturing Specialist (Maintenance)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward entry-level candidates comfortable with industrial equipment maintenance and proactive learning in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with foundational industrial maintenance skills and a strong desire to learn advanced practices
    — “ideal for someone with foundational skills who is ready to learn, grow, and contribute
  • Individuals who thrive in collaborative, high-stakes environments with engineers and production teams
    — “collaborate with engineers, managers, and customers to maintain systems in peak operating condition
  • Those with prior experience in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems
    — “diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical systems

Things to consider

  • The role requires physical stamina for lifting and working at heights for extended periods
    — “Capable of lifting 50 lbs. unassisted and comfortable with standing, climbing, bending, and working at heights
  • The position is limited to U.S. citizens or residents 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 equipment calibration and maintenance documentation in your resume
    — “maintain, calibrate, and inspect critical production assets
  • Emphasize your ability to interpret schematics and technical drawings in your application
    — “interpret and apply mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics
  • Demonstrate your proactive approach to learning and problem-solving in interview responses
    — “proactive approach to continuous learning of advanced maintenance practices
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Junior

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

What success looks like

  • reduced unplanned downtime
  • optimized equipment reliability
  • enhanced operational efficiency
Typical background
manufacturing maintenancetechnical operations

Skills & requirements

Required

Preventive MaintenanceTroubleshootingRoot-cause AnalysisEquipment CalibrationSafety Protocols

Preferred

Advanced Maintenance PracticesNew Equipment Technologies

Stack & domain

Preventive MaintenanceTroubleshootingWelding SystemsHigh-pressure PumpsThermal OvensVacuum ChambersAttention To DetailProactive ApproachCollaborationManufacturing

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.

RAPTOR MANUFACTURING SPECIALIST (MAINTENANCE) 

We’re seeking a motivated and eager specialist to join our team in a dynamic manufacturing environment. You’ll support preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on production equipment, working alongside experienced specialists to ensure smooth operations in a high-volume setting. This position is ideal for someone with foundational skills who is ready to learn, grow, and contribute to keeping critical systems running efficiently while collaborating with production teams.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Assume full ownership of asset recovery processes, from initial fault diagnosis and repair execution through functional validation and return-to-production release. 

Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) regimens and perform corrective repairs on manufacturing and test equipment to ensure operational reliability and uptime. 

Collaborate with engineers, managers, and customers to maintain systems in peak operating condition. 

Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical systems using root-cause analysis techniques to minimize unplanned downtime. 

Collaborate with asset owners to develop and maintain detailed work instructions for equipment preventative maintenance, ensuring zero unplanned service interruptions for employees and customers. 

Maintain, calibrate, and inspect critical production assets including welding systems, high-pressure pumps, thermal ovens, vacuum chambers, and other specialized manufacturing machinery. 

Demonstrate strong attention to detail with a high sense of urgency and a proactive approach to continuous learning of advanced maintenance practices and new equipment technologies. 

Interpret and apply mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings to support fault isolation, diagnostics, and repair activities. 

Safely operate power tools, hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and heavy equipment/lifting devices in accordance with established procedures. 

Coordinate and manage on-site vendor support, including scope definition, quote evaluation, purchase order submission, and oversight of external service activities. 

Strictly adhere to safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, and hazardous energy control procedures while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant work environment. 

Utilize internal systems and platforms for work order tracking, maintenance documentation, parts inventory management, and equipment history logging. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

High school diploma or equivalency certificate 

3+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing, production, or technical environment  

Experience with maintenance on industrial equipment, such as welding tools, ovens, vacuum systems, or environmental testing chambers. 

Familiarity with reading blueprints, schematics, or technical drawings. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

3+ years’ experience as a maintenance specialist in a production environment. 

Ability to perform basic fabrication. 

Understanding safety standards and Lean principles (e.g., basic problem-solving methods like Five Whys). 

Analytical mindset for identifying simple root causes of issues. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1st shift: Monday - Friday, 5:00am - 3:30pm 

Capable of lifting 50 lbs. unassisted and comfortable with standing, climbing, bending, and working at heights 

Willing to obtain certifications for forklifts, boom lifts, or other equipment as required 

Ability to pass background checks for secure facilities 

Up to 5% travel may be required for training or support 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $33.00 - $39.00

Level 2: $37.00 - $44.00

Level 3: $41.00 - $50.00

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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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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