Toolmaker, R&D (Raptor)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for hands-on technical professionals who apply fabrication and metrology skills in a dynamic R&D environment, with a focus on precision and collaboration.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with a background in toolmaking or metrology and experience working in high-precision environments
    — “Collect geometric data via metrology equipment through model-based software such as Verisurf.”
  • Individuals who can adapt to rapidly changing team structures and deliver results in a high-stakes aerospace setting
    — “Desire to integrate with teams that can change in size and personnel daily and contribute their skills to its cohesion, and effectiveness.”
  • Professionals with a strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot complex systems
    — “Strong mechanical aptitude, with ability to quickly troubleshoot issues using design & fabrication skillset.”

Things to consider

  • The role requires up to 20% travel to different sites, which may impact work-life balance.
    — “Travel to different sites (ex. McGregor) up to 20% of the time”
  • Candidates must be prepared for physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects and working in awkward positions.
    — “Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 35 lbs. unassisted”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize your ability to troubleshoot and solve novel problems using mechanical and fabrication skills.
    — “Apply creative solutions and troubleshooting methods to achieve tool’s form, fit, and functions.”
  • Demonstrate leadership and dependability through past examples in your interview responses.
    — “Demonstrates leadership and dependability”
  • Showcase your adaptability to dynamic environments and cross-training capabilities in your application materials.
    — “Cross train with Raptor R&D and Automation and Controls to be able to provide surge support as required.”
  • Include experience with operating lifting devices and rigging practices in your resume.
    — “Experience with overhead bridge cranes, gantries, mobile cranes and other lifting devices.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Mid

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

What success looks like

  • delivering critical production equipment
  • building custom tools
  • ensuring quality standards
  • cross-training with Raptor R&D and Automation and Controls
Typical background
toolmakingmetrologyfabrication

Skills & requirements

Required

ToolmakingFabricationMetrologyGD&TBlueprint InterpretationTroubleshootingSafety ComplianceCross-training

Preferred

VerisurfLaser TrackerCMMPortable ArmsOpticsLaser TrackersFabrication TechniquesElectro-mechanical SystemsRobotics

Stack & domain

Fabrication TechniquesMetrologyCmmsVerisurfGD&TBlueprintsModel-based SoftwareLaser TrackerPortable MillsLathesOverhead Bridge CranesGantriesMobile CranesRigging PracticesProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationLeadershipManufacturingEngineering

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.

TOOLMAKER, R&D (RAPTOR)

Work with the Raptor Tooling and Automation Engineers in fabricating, integrating and activating custom designed tools from simple fixtures to full electro-mechanical robot systems. Hands-on mentality and flexibility are essential for delivering critical Raptor production equipment

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Understand and apply fabrication techniques to deliver production and development tooling

Interpret blueprints of varying complexity with a fundamental understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5

Collect geometric data via metrology equipment through model-based software such as Verisurf. Evaluate analysis for out-of-tolerance conditions, communicating issues to engineering and troubleshooting as required.

Apply creative solutions and troubleshooting methods to achieve tool’s form, fit, and functions

Ensure operations can be performed safely while meeting SpaceX quality standards

Effectively communicate to fabricators, machinists, assemblers, engineers, and other parties as required

Cross train with Raptor R&D and Automation and Controls to be able to provide surge support as required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certification

1+ years professional experience with toolmaking or metrology (e.g. performing inspections, using CMMs, portable arms, optics, or laser trackers) or machining (e.g. completing simple components from blueprints, creating blueprints, operating knee mills and gear lathes, using inspection tools, waterjets)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Two-year degree (associate or technical)

Experience analyzing data via laser tracker (or equivalent) and generating data reports (experience with Verisurf preferred)

Ability to locate components with high precision as defined by engineering provided drawings and models

Strong mechanical aptitude, with ability to quickly troubleshoot issues using design & fabrication skillset

Ability to visualize and comprehend complex geometries in 3D space, for both small and large scale fabrication tasks

Ability to use and learn a variety of software to analyze and communicate pertinent information

Demonstrates leadership and dependability

Ability to adapt to an extremely dynamic work environment while maintaining a positive attitude

Apply diverse thinking and leverage past experience to find solutions to novel problems

Ability to maintain the highest level of safety on the job site, striving to always look for ways to improve safety in a dynamic work environment

Desire to integrate with teams that can change in size and personnel daily and contribute their skills to its cohesion, and effectiveness

Experience operating conventional and/or portable mills and lathes or boring bars

Experience with reading electrical and pneumatic schematics

Experience with overhead bridge cranes, gantries, mobile cranes and other lifting devices. Familiarity with best rigging practices and handling large, heavy, and imbalanced components preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Travel to different sites (ex. McGregor) up to 20% of the time

Ability to stand for extended periods

Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 35 lbs. unassisted

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand

Work longer shifts, OT and weekends, as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Toolmaker/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour              

Toolmaker/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour              

Toolmaker/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/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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