Development Test Technician (Mechanical)

About the role

Development test technicians get to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance, work on flight and development engines, and support test and build equipment and tooling.

Development test technicians support the company by building and maintaining flight-worthy spacecraft engines, components, and associated test equipment, supporting engineering in suggesting and implementing process improvements, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

These technicians support activities in the engine assembly area, as well as enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our development test (R&D) stands, supporting test operations first-hand. Development test technicians enjoy witnessing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day.

We work as a highly integrated team and job responsibilities will include helping other programs to ensure the overall success of SpaceX.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations
• Ensure all test stand-related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Perform post-test operations and inspections to ensure flight-worthy hardware
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
• Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment needed for test operations
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities
• Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to applicable standards
• Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components
• Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
• Monitor and maintain a reasonable inventory of cryogenic equipment, pneumatic equipment, fittings, hoses, and other supplies necessary to perform test operations
• Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components
• Process work orders and maintenance tickets
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of acceptance and development testing, as well as testing site-wide, as needed
• Develop novel ways site-wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations
• Participate in rigging and crane operations for test equipment and test articles; including hangar bridge cranes and mobile crane lifts

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
• 3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) license
• Experience in airframe structural repair
• Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
• Experience with the testing process and optimization of test processes
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
• Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry
• Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation
• Knowledge of vacuum systems
• Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, AN, and Swagelok
• A demonstrated ability to read/understand technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
• Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing) between other employees and customers
• Experience with rigging, cranes, and lift operations
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Experience with analog and digital instrumentation (load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, RTDs, TCs, encoders, deflection gages, LVDTs, accelerometers, IMUs)

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions
• The ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position (up to 25lbs unassisted)
• Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
• Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain, etc.
• Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and hazardous environments
• Must be able to work in elevated PPE, including supplied air respirators and chemical-resistant self-encapsulating suits
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Must be able to and available for travel (up to 20% of the time), including military and government installations

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.