Test Equipment Technician (Fabrication & Support)

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.

TEST EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN (FABRICATION & SUPPORT)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide ground support equipment (GSE) technician support, which involves building, installing, and troubleshooting equipment such as pumps, tanks, valves, and plumbing related to the liquid oxygen (LOX) pad, fuel pad, and other aspects of the site facility
• Operate hardware, high-pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment, including pneumatic components
• Fabricate GSE hardware and equipment
• Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE activities
• Ensure all materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards
• Build structural and engine test equipment
• Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
• Follow all necessary regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures, including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, NFPA, ASME, NEC, etc.
• Develop novel ways, site-wide, to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of engine testing and structural test stand programs
• Lead field execution of assigned projects while coordinating technicians and contractors to safely deliver scope on schedule
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and operations teams to plan work, resolve field issues, and drive project execution
• Review work packages, drawings, and procedures to identify execution risks and provide constructibility feedback
• Verify contractor work meets SpaceX quality standards and engineering intent prior to turnover
• Identify schedule blockers, resource constraints, and safety concerns, escalating issues with proposed solutions
• Lead pre-job briefs, field walk downs, and post-job reviews to ensure safe, efficient execution

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of professional industrial experience, such as installing pipe and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high-pressure systems or mechanical systems
• Experience coordinating work activities, or leading small teams, contractors or field projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in the space exploration industry, military, or other high-reliability operating environment
• Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry
• Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling)
• Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage
• Knowledge of high vacuum systems
• Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
• Knowledge of various fittings (NPT, MS, AN, Swagelok, medium pressure)
• Ability to utilize power tools and hand tools as well as heavy equipment
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
• Knowledge of hazardous systems - cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
• Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling
• Experience using test instrumentation and control components

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standard hours for this role are Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• 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 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 6 hours or greater per day
• 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 with possible pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical including medical history review to confirm capabilities

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 [email protected].