Machine Operator (COPV)

About the role

The Starship COPV Composites Technician manufactures flight-critical composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) used to store high-pressure gases on Starship and Super Heavy. This is a hands-on production role: preparing metallic liners, filament-winding the composite overwrap, curing, and trimming, finishing, and assembling COPV hardware to engineering drawings and process specifications.

This position is onsite at a SpaceX production facility supporting Starship COPV manufacturing. The successful candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working from travelers and work instructions, and able to produce consistent, high-quality composite work in a fast-paced flight-hardware environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallic COPV liners and bond interfaces for overwrap, including grit blast, hand abrasion, and power abrasion
• Manufacture COPVs by filament winding composite fiber onto liners, including hoop and helical winding patterns, fiber tension, and resin application (wet winding and/or towpreg)
• Set up, operate, and tend filament winding equipment; load liners, verify winding programs, and monitor fiber path, bandwidth, and resin wet-out during the wrap
• Mix, handle, and apply resins and adhesives per process specification, including pot life, mix ratio, and material traceability
• Cure COPV overwraps and bonded assemblies in ovens or autoclaves, including thermocouple placement and process monitoring
• Trim and finish composite and composite-metallic COPV assemblies to drawing requirements
• Assemble COPV hardware, including setup, bonding, and fastener installation at bosses, fittings, and related structure
• Complete basic layouts on parts and assemblies to establish reference points and verify dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales, and torque wrenches
• Follow travelers, work instructions, and standard operating procedures; record work and nonconformances as required
• Maintain FOD control, material traceability, and a clean, organized work area in a high-rate production environment

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working with in a manufacturing environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience manufacturing composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) or other filament-wound pressure-critical hardware
• Experience operating CNC or programmable filament winding machines
• Experience controlling hoop and helical wind patterns, fiber tension, bandwidth, and resin content
• Experience drilling, reaming, honing, and/or countersinking close-tolerance holes, and installing fasteners with the correct tool for the job (drill motor, power screwdriver, C-squeeze, ratchet wrench, nut runner, rivet gun and bucking bar, etc.)
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, including drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to work from travelers and SOPs (standard operating procedures)
• Experience with oven or autoclave cure cycles and thermocouple placement
• Experience building flight hardware or other pressure-critical composite structures
• Attention to detail and accuracy while working in a fast-paced production environment

Additional Requirements

• Standing for long periods, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces around winding equipment, tooling, and vessel hardware
• Must be able to work shift hours (6:00am - 4:30pm Mon - Fri) including overtime, weekends, and holidays based on site operational needs
• Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time
• This role is onsite and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work

Pay range

• Composites Technician/Level 1: $20.00 - $24.50/hour
• Composites Technician/Level 2: $23.50 - $29.00/hour
• Composites Technician/Level 3: $27.50 - $35.00/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 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.