Assembly Technician (Starship)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

5d

About The Position

SpaceX’s Components team develops spacecraft and launch vehicle components, including compensators integrated into Starship and Super Heavy Booster propulsion systems. The Assembly Technician serves as a hardware build and test expert, performing laser welding, mechanical assembly, and pressure testing of large components in a fast-paced environment.

The technician is responsible for maintaining high build quality, ensuring tests are performed correctly, and working directly with engineers on the floor. The role requires understanding component functionality to help troubleshoot problems, identify potential hazards, and improve work instructions and processes to reduce future issues and increase safety.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• At least 1 year of experience in a fabrication, manufacturing/assembly, or testing role.
• Must be able to work first-shift hours (5:00 AM–3:30 PM), overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds unassisted.
• Must meet U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in weld preparation.
• Training in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation, or automotive hardware.
• A&P license.
• Knowledge and experience with lean manufacturing (5S).
• High attention to detail to ensure the safety and accuracy of testing procedures.
• Experience with pressure, temperature, or flow measurement devices and mechanical or pneumatic systems.
• At least 3 years of aerospace component testing experience.
• Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Basic computer experience.
• Effective verbal and written communication with engineering and production teams at all business levels.
• Experience working autonomously or as part of a team to achieve production goals.
• Knowledge of high-pressure testing.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality components for Starship and Super Heavy.
• Use an automated laser welding machine and perform mechanical assembly and pressure testing.
• Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve reliable component delivery rates.
• Maintain a safe, professional, and neat work area.
• Recommend changes to tooling, equipment, training, processes, and personal protective equipment to eliminate safety hazards.
• Operate efficiently across a broad mix of products and set a high standard for the technician team.
• Follow procedures, specifications, and test instructions, and communicate daily work completion to peers and leadership.
• Troubleshoot failure modes and work with engineering to solve technical problems.
• Recommend design, instruction, and process improvements to improve component reliability, manufacturability, or production rate.
• Develop skills in seal installation, assembly, laser welding, and pneumatic pressure testing, and train peers.

Benefits

• Potential long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, and potential discretionary bonuses.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount.
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• Up to 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED