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.

DEVELOPMENT TEST TECHNICIAN (MECHANICAL)

Development test technicians get to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance, work on flight and development engines, and support test and build equipment and tooling. Development test technicians support the company by building and maintaining flight-worthy spacecraft engines, components, and associated test equipment, supporting engineering in suggesting and implementing process improvements, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. These technicians support activities in the engine assembly area, as well as enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our development test (R&D) stands, supporting test operations first-hand. Development test technicians enjoy witnessing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day. We work as a highly integrated team and job responsibilities will include helping other programs to ensure the overall success of SpaceX.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations
Ensure all test stand-related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
Perform post-test operations and inspections to ensure flight-worthy hardware
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment needed for test operations
Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities
Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to applicable standards
Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components
Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
Monitor and maintain a reasonable inventory of cryogenic equipment, pneumatic equipment, fittings, hoses, and other supplies necessary to perform test operations
Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components
Process work orders and maintenance tickets
Perform a variety of related duties in support of acceptance and development testing, as well as testing site-wide, as needed
Develop novel ways site-wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations
Participate in rigging and crane operations for test equipment and test articles; including hangar bridge cranes and mobile crane lifts

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) license
Experience in airframe structural repair
Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
Experience with the testing process and optimization of test processes
Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry
Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment
Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation
Knowledge of vacuum systems
Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, AN, and Swagelok
A demonstrated ability to read/understand technical manuals and reports
Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment
Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing) between other employees and customers
Experience with rigging, cranes, and lift operations
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
Experience with analog and digital instrumentation (load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, RTDs, TCs, encoders, deflection gages, LVDTs, accelerometers, IMUs)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Valid driver’s license
Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions
The ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position (up to 25lbs unassisted)
Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, etc.
Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and hazardous environments
Must be able to work in elevated PPE, including supplied air respirators and chemical-resistant self-encapsulating suits
Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
Must be able to and available for travel (up to 20% of the time), including military and government installations

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.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Development Test Technician (Mechanical)