Test Stand Maintenance Technician

TEST STAND MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Maintenance technicians at the Rocket Development and Test Facility work in a fast-paced testing environment, where the extraordinary becomes the everyday. This role participates in the build, activation, modification, and improvement of fluid and mechanical systems that test the most powerful high-volume rocket engines in the world. With a focus on repairs and reliability, maintenance technicians are expected to utilize all tools at their disposal to ensure the functionality of rocket development and production test stands. This work includes performing corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance on test systems, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical hardware, and providing operations and design feedback to drive improvements across our entire test site.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Modify and maintain test stands and ground support equipment that support testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various rocket components


• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair hardware associated with rocket test stand systems, typically part of fluid, structural, and mechanical subsystems


• Maintain structural/mechanical systems and related components such as rollers, bearings, rams, etc.


• Maintain fluid systems and related components such as process piping, pumps, valves, filters, etc.


• Collaborate with design and operations engineers to maintain systems in peak operating condition, provide feedback on designs and operations, and promote continual improvement of ground support equipment


• Develop novel methods to streamline and increase the reliability of internal processes across the entire test site


• Follow all regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures, including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, NFPA, ASME, NEC, and other standards

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate


• 3+ years of experience working with hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, cryogenic, high-pressure gas, or data systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience working as a maintenance technician, service technician, field service engineer, or mechanic


• Strong familiarity with schematics/diagrams for fluid routing, instrumentation, and electrical components


• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment with power generation, oil, gas, aerospace, automotive, or electronics


• Knowledge of vacuum systems, HVAC systems, process piping inspections/operations, tubing and pipe fittings, rotating machinery (pumps, air compressors), and a wide variety of mechanical fasteners


• Knowledge of high-pressure gas, hydraulic, cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, and pyrophoric systems


• Experience with heavy equipment or industrial operations and maintenance


• Experience in equipment maintenance and calibration, instrumentation troubleshooting, process controls, and data and control systems


• Operational knowledge of process instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, load cells, flow meters, etc.)


• Operational knowledge of basic electrical theory and electrical troubleshooting (multi-meter fault finding, soldering/connecting, operation of various crimping tools, etc.)


• Experience with CMMS or ERP systems such as Maximo, SAP, Oracle, etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a fast-paced, challenging work environment


• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take individual initiative, and communicate effectively with peers, leadership, and customers


• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand


• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 ft.) with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)


• Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 25 lbs.) unassisted


• Must be able to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches


• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required


• Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed, including heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.


• Must be able to travel to other SpaceX locations as needed (up to 25% of work time)


• Working conditions may be in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required