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.

LEACHING TECHNICIAN, HEAT SHIELD (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS

The Starship Heat Shield team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems by developing the heat shields for our next-generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry. As a technician on the heat shield team, you will thrive in a hands-on environment and will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the SpaceX mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform acid leaching operations loading raw fiber into leaching lines using conveyor system, mixing tanks, pumps, valves, and control automation. Rinsing of leached fiber and packaging fiber in robot-controlled packaging cell.
Perform distillery operations with acid reclamation of waste effluent downstream of the acid leaching process. Mechanical Vapor Recompression System, Neutralization system, waste evaporator, and steam boilers. Ensure all associated systems that support this process are operating nominally to support fiber leaching.
Follow manufacturing procedures to Operate and maintain assets used in the coatings manufacturing process such the Turbo Paddle Drag Dryer system “VOMM”, Ball mills, and Kiln. Testing of coatings made using a particle analyzer. Package finished coatings product into 55-gallon drums to be used the tile coating process at the Cape and Mini Bakery in Boca.
Oversee Fiber Leaching and Distillery process, ensuring tank levels are maintained for the process of leaching pure silica fiber by performing titration, and silica purity testing. Carefully documenting process parameters, status of work, and conditions of parts in the process.
Conduct regular inspections and tests to ensure the quality of the leached fibers meets established standards.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of acid leaching, MVR, Neutralization, Steam boilers, and Chilled water system and associated equipment to ensure operational efficiency and longevity. Service/Repair all failed assets in house such as pumps, valves, bearings, motors, gearboxes, pneumatic fittings, actuators, and conveyor systems.
Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, promptly reporting any hazards or incidents.
Maintain accurate records of Acid Leaching and Distillery operations, including logs of temperatures, pressures, maintenance activities, and any anomalies.
Troubleshoot, identify, and resolve operational issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. Troubleshooting could involve reviewing schematics, Documents, process line tracing, state of control logic, Instrumentation, pressure transducers, flowmeters, pneumatic solenoids, pump and valve replacements.
Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement.
Support a high-level process review with design engineers to ensure correct process and hardware actions to sustain production of quality material.
Take operational ownership of the equipment and processes for designated acid leaching and distillery process areas.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
1+ year(s) of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
Experience with composite tooling materials
Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)
Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications
Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases
Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)
Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes
Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts
Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Ability to work one of the following shifts:
- Day shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday
- Night shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday
Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime as necessary, to support business needs
Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Willing to travel to other sites to support critical business needs
Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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.

Leaching Technician, Heat Shield (Starship) - Multiple Shifts