Propulsion Technician (Starship)

About the role

The propulsion systems technician team serve as hardware build and test experts for Booster subassembly prop systems - Unique weldments and avionics subassemblies that provide increased performance and operational capability to Raptor and Super Heavy. You will build and test propulsion assemblies for maximum reliability that need to perform in extreme dynamic environments.

As a technician, you will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of build quality and ensuring your work scope is performed correctly. You will partner with engineers on the floor to develop booster prop subs production systems. Technicians in this role will be capable of understanding component functionality to be able to assist in troubleshooting or recognizing potential hazards/issues before they occur and helping to update work instructions/processes to reduce future issues and increase personnel safety.

Responsibilities

• Deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality propulsion
• Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve component delivery rate in a reliable manner
• Set the standard for a rigorous and efficient technician team by operating with high efficiency and utilization across a broad mix of products. Perform work according to procedures, specifications and work/test instructions, and communicate daily work completion to report to leadership
• Execute daily precision manufacturing tasks, Assemble and fit-up subassemblies for fluid systems, including precision alignment, braze joints, fastener torquing, populating avionics connector pin-out with exact wire routing and crimping, conducting proof pressure testing on assemblies, and hi-pot electrical testing for insulation integrity
• Troubleshoot failure modes and collaborate with design, tooling, quality, and engineering teams to resolve technical issues, recommend improvements to designs/instructions/processes for enhanced reliability, manufacturability, and production rates, and transition products from design to high-volume production

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/assembly, welding, or testing role OR completion from a relevant trade school

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience
• Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation or aerospace hardware
• High pressure testing knowledge
• High voltage testing knowledge
• A&P license
• Experience and knowledge operating brazement furnace
• Experience working with thin-walled tubing
• Experience working with Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel
• Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW)
• Lean manufacturing (5S) knowledge and experience
• High attention to detail in order to ensure safety and accuracy of testing procedures
• Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices and mechanical/electrical systems
• Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Basic computer experience
• The ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production teams at all levels of the business
• The ability to work autonomously or as part of a team to achieve inspiring production goals

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to travel to other sites if needed
• Must be able to lift 50lbs assisted and stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work first shift (~4:00am - ~2:30PM) or second shift (~2:30PM - ~1:00AM)
• Must be able to support overtime and weekend work requests

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.