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.

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, ROBOTIC WELDING (STARSHIP) – LEVEL 4/5

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s most challenging problems, owning the development and integration of the heat shield for our next-generation spacecraft, Starship. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric reentry. As a technician on the TPS team, you will primarily be responsible for maintaining, programming, and operating robotic and automated systems while supporting heat shield manufacturing and integration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide maintenance on various equipment: vacuum chambers, thermal chambers, CNC machines, and robotic welders
Maintain, repair, and operate all robotic assets to ensure their proper operating condition
Replace and install electrical components such as switches, relays, contactors, transformers, rectifiers, circuit breakers, fuses, and sensors for temperature/pressure/position
Replace and install mechanical components such as bearings, bushings, motors, shafts, collars, couplings, pulleys, belts, gears, chains, rollers, pumps, valves, hoses, and o-rings on a variety of system equipment
Support the fabrication of ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
Support basic fabrication, surface preparation, bonding, and oven curing operations
Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing
Perform hardware inspection and rework as required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of experience working with robotic or automated systems
3+ years of experience as a technician

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience operating and maintaining Kuka, Fanuc, or other 6 –axis robots
Experience working with PLC programming, robotics, and CNC machines
Basic understanding of stud arc welding
3+ years of experience with electrical system troubleshooting
Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
Ability to describe and navigate through a machine’s functions, root cause recurrent issues, and identify the cross-referenced parts needed for repairs
5+ years of experience as a technician
Experience within the aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, or electronic manufacturing fields
Experience with hand/power tools, forklifts, and other heavy equipment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work one of the following shifts:

Monday- Friday (6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
Monday -Friday (6:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.)

Hold or be willing to obtain a valid Driver's License
Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
Sit: Up to 1 hour per day
Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
Walk: Up to 6 hours per day
Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees Up to 1 hour per day
Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

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.

Thermal Development Technician, Robotic Welding (Starship) - Level 4/5