Electronics Technician (Falcon Test)

About the role

SpaceX technicians work in a fast-paced environment, supporting a variety of propulsion and structural systems tests. The electronics technician will provide technical expertise in the areas of instrumentation and data acquisition hardware in support of our launch vehicles and spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex technical assignments involving instrumentation and data acquisition/processing systems
• Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors
• Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
• Complete necessary instrumentation of test stands, wiring, and data acquisition systems
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Perform layout and wiring of electrical panels
• Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems
• Perform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments such as ohmmeters and sequential continuity checkers
• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
• Analyze results of calibrations and processed data and assist in the interpretation of test data
• Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
• Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments
• Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment
• Configure the data acquisition hardware
• Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components and record effects on unit performance
• Collaborate with design engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certification
• 2+ years of experience working with at least one of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, oscilloscopes, multimeters (experience from a 2+ year technical college program counts)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm's law, and an understanding of DC electronics
• Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or related field
• Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope & multimeter, soldering wires & connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, Ohm's law, continuity testing, pinning out a military-type connector, routing & tie wrapping cables, drilling & tapping holes, and building junction boxes
• System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
• Knowledge of signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, including the following: thermocouple types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld-on and adhesive bond-on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts
• Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC convertors; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, proper strain relief concepts
• Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gages are also highly desired
• Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
• Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating systems
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)

Additional Requirements

• Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Must be available to travel up to 25% of the time
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 25lbs.) 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
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet)
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Frequently required to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Valid driver's license

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.