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
Test technicians for the Starbase Structures team are highly multidisciplinary, and this individual will be tasked with a wide variety of test operations and test equipment fabrication work. The team consists of technicians and engineers working closely together to build mechanical and fluid assemblies, modify and integrate test articles, build data and control systems, and support testing operations. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in mechanical and electrical disciplines, hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, works well in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a can-do attitude.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build, modify, and troubleshoot new or existing test equipment, which ranges from fluid systems, mechanical assemblies, data and control systems, and instrumentation
- Fabricate high-pressure fluid panels, plumbing, and hydraulic manifolds, including tube fabrication and routing, cleaning, proofing, and activating
- Install instrumentation, build and route harnessing, and troubleshoot instrumentation and wiring issues
- Build, operate, and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, including pumps, actuators, servos, winches, etc.
- Assemble, modify, and inspect test articles, including structural fabrication (precision drilling, doublers, brackets, blending, painting, bonding, etc.), leak detection, non-destructive testing, and instrumentation installation (strain gages)
- Participate in rigging and crane operations for test equipment and test articles, including hangar bridge cranes and mobile crane lifts
- Build and modify data and control systems, ranging from small mobile DAQs to large data and control infrastructure for test stands with thousands of channels
- Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
- Participate in test operations, including configuration of high-pressure, hazardous, and cryogenic fluid systems, connecting hydraulic actuators and instrumentation, controlling hazardous areas, troubleshooting instrumentation and test hardware, and monitoring test video and data
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of experience with one or more of the following: working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation (strain gages, load cells, temperature sensors, deflection gages, accelerometers, or pressure transducers), data and control systems, or test operations on mechanical or electrical systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Ability to work and communicate effectively in a team environment
- Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities, and learn new skills while working in a high-paced and challenging work environment
- Associate degree in an engineering, mechanical, electrical systems, or other related field
- A&P license
- Computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office, Teamcenter, NX
- Experience reading/interpreting planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
- Experience with aerospace testing (propulsion, structural, etc.)
- Experience in airframe structural repair
- Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
- Experience with nondestructive inspection equipment and techniques
- Experience with precision measuring instruments/equipment
- Knowledge of various fittings (NPT, MS, AN, Swagelok, medium pressure)
- Knowledge of various fasteners (hi-lok, rivets, NAS, MS, SAE Grade 5 / 8, locking inserts, locking nuts, super bolts, etc.)
- Experience with aerospace or military-grade harness fabrication
- Knowledge of data acquisition and controls concepts, hardware, and interfacing (National Instruments PXI / cSeries and PLC)
- Experience with the fabrication of data and control systems (junction boxes, rack mount hardware, etc.)
- Experience with electrical tools (oscilloscopes, multimeters, soldering irons, crimpers, strippers, etc.)
- Experience with component and system-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
- Experience with DC power supplies, distribution, DC-DC convertors, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
- Experience with analog and digital instrumentation (load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, encoders, deflection gauges, and accelerometers)
- Experience with ground support equipment fabrication or modification in the aerospace industry
- Experience with rigging, cranes, and lift operations
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to support shift rotations as site demands change
- Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
- Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
- Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
- Must be able to travel to other SpaceX facilities when needed (up to 25% travel)
- Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
- Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
- Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
- Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or greater per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the . 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.