SpaceX
Aerospace & DefenseDirect Greenhouse career site

Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5

Pay
$36 – $51 per hour
Location
Hawthorne, CA · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Mid-level
Experience
5+ years
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Listed
31 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • machine shop equipment (mill, lathe)
  • mechanical fabrication
  • GD&T drawing interpretation

Also useful

  • AN/MS/MP/Swagelok fittings
  • cryogenic systems
  • heavy crane rigging

Stated benefits & perks

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • Parental leave

Development Test Technician - Level 4/5

Development test operations is a fast-paced R&D focused group that supports testing of the latest vehicle and spacecraft designs. Test technicians work closely with test engineers to support fabrication, assembly, and operation of test stands and equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Fabricate metallic piece parts to print using machine shop equipment: mill, lathe, etc
  • Assemble test equipment to print, including on-assembly fabrication operations: precision match drilling, welding, riveting, etc
  • Assemble large mechanical assemblies that require strategic part manipulation and heavy lift operations and equipment
  • Fabricate and assemble high-pressure pneumatic and hydraulic fluid systems, including bending/flaring/assembling of stainless steel and flexible tubing

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical fabrication

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Positive attitude and able to work well on a team
  • Able to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision
  • Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail
  • Able to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
  • Able to read and interpret fluid or electrical schematics
  • Skilled with mechanical hand tools
  • Knowledge/experience with AN, MS, MP, and Swagelok fluid connections
  • Knowledge/experience with cryogenic systems (gaseous and liquid)
  • Knowledge/experience working with electrical components and systems
  • Experience lifting, rigging, and preparing for heavy crane operations of complicated parts
  • Proficient computer skills; comfortable with using email and the Microsoft Office suite

Additional Requirements

  • Able to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)
  • Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. unassisted
  • Able to work in outdoor environments as needed
  • Ability to work all required shift hours, including overtime and weekends when needed
  • Willing to travel for short trips as needed, up to 10% travel

Pay range

Development Test Technician/Level 5: $41.00 - $51.00/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.

About SpaceX

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.

Read the original posting

From SpaceX's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

Rolev.ai is a job search and application tool for US job seekers. For this Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 role at SpaceX, it shows how your resume fits, tailors your resume to the posting, and prepares the application for you to review.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 role at SpaceX?

The Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 posting at SpaceX states compensation of $36 – $51 per hour. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on SpaceX's official career site.

Where is the Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 job at SpaceX located?

This Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 position at SpaceX is located in Hawthorne, CA (On-site). Always check SpaceX's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

What qualifications are required for Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 at SpaceX?

For the Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 role, SpaceX highlights 5+ years of relevant experience; a high school diploma or equivalent; experience with machine shop equipment (mill, lathe), mechanical fabrication, GD&T drawing interpretation. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Development Test Technician (Starship Mechanisms) - Level 4/5 position at SpaceX?

This listing links directly to SpaceX's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on SpaceX's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.