SpaceX
Aerospace & DefenseDirect Greenhouse career site

Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining)

Pay
$23 – $38 per hour
Location
Hawthorne, CA · On-site
Job type
Full-time
Level
Mid-level
Experience
1+ year
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Listed
31 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • precision machining
  • blueprint reading
  • hand tools
  • borescope inspection
  • hydrostatic proof testing

Also useful

  • 5S lean manufacturing
  • ultrasonic thickness gauges
  • vacuum furnace operation

About the role

Candidates should possess a combination of solid mechanical knowledge, hands-on experience and the willingness and ability to learn. The propulsion technician is responsible for manufacturing, assembly, and testing of rocket hardware and associated sub-assemblies. This is a dynamic position that requires the flexibility to work on different systems, the ability to troubleshoot anomalies, and the ability to work autonomously on defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront of everything that is done.

Responsibilities

  • Grind, file, or sand surfaces of metal items, utilizing a variety of hand tools, power tools, and machines
  • Chase machine cut threads to size
  • Polish tight tolerance surface finishes
  • Wash parts that have gone through deburr process
  • Inspect surface finishes, threads, and broken edges
  • Remove defects and smooth uneven surfaces
  • Use tools and fluid flow to remove chips/debris from passages in parts
  • Borescope parts to check for internal defects and debris
  • Read and interpret technical drawings and follow detailed work instructions
  • Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment
  • Operate test cell instrumentation and use computer network systems as well as test units as described in the test instruction
  • Operate machinery such as vacuum furnaces, ultrasonic immersion, proof/waterflow booths

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of experience in manufacturing

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Able to bench close tolerance dimensions within what the blueprint calls for
  • Experience utilizing various measuring instruments: mics, veneers, ultra-sonic thickness gauges
  • Experience with lean manufacturing and 5S organizational methods
  • Experience using digital borescopes for visual inspection
  • Strong mathematical, basic computer, problem solving and decision-making skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team to meet aggressive schedules
  • Ability to operate and understand readouts on automated asset user interfaces and hydrostatic proof booth

Additional Requirements

  • Available for overtime and weekend hours
  • Must be available for 1st shift (5:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
  • Capable of lifting up to 50lbs without accommodation
  • Capable of standing and kneeling without accommodation

Pay range

  • Propulsion Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour
  • Propulsion Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour
  • Propulsion Technician/Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/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 Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) 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 Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) role at SpaceX?

The Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) posting at SpaceX states compensation of $23 – $38 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 Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) job at SpaceX located?

This Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) 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 Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) at SpaceX?

For the Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) role, SpaceX highlights 1+ year of relevant experience; a high school diploma or equivalent; experience with precision machining, blueprint reading, hand tools, borescope inspection, hydrostatic proof testing. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Propulsion Technician (Raptor Production Machining) 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.