Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

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.

• →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

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools

• 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
• 3+ 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

• 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.)r
• Willing to work overtime when necessary
• Hold or be will 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

• 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 [email protected].