Lead Development Test Technician (Starship Structural Test) - 1st Shift

SpaceX•Starbase, TX, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. This role involves leading a small team in support of testing operations for Starship Structural Test. The technician will be responsible for handing out work assignments, enforcing safety and workmanship standards, and ensuring blockers are cleared. They will also serve as a liaison between employees and management, assist in coaching and training team members, and ensure proper procedures are followed. The role requires providing information for tooling work orders, supporting ground support equipment (GSE) including pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and maintaining/troubleshooting equipment and instrumentation. Reading and interpreting technical documents, operating hardware and high-pressure systems, and fabricating/repairing GSE are key duties. Collaboration with design engineers, obtaining necessary certifications, and developing process improvements are also expected. The technician must adhere to all SpaceX procedures and regulations, maintain workspace cleanliness, and perform various duties related to integrated system installation and activation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipes and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high-pressure systems (pneumatic or hydraulic)
2+ years assembling and configuring large mechanical structures and test stands using forklifts, cranes, and proper rigging techniques
General physical fitness is required for some work areas, as flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
Must be able to work the following shift: Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 4:30 pm
Must be able to work overtime and weekends based on site operational needs
Ability to lift heavy 25lbs unassisted
Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500ft
Able to travel to alternate work sites to support fabrication activities
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours per day
Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 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 more 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 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.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree
A&P license
Experience in the aerospace 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
Willingness to learn/experience troubleshooting and repairing instrumentation and low-voltage wiring
Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem-solving play a critical role
Knowledge of all types of borescope inspection equipment
Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT and A/N
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

Responsibilities

Help lead a small team in support of testing operations, handing out work assignments based on priorities, enforcing safety & workmanship standards, and ensuring blockers are cleared at the appropriate level
Function as the liaison between employees and management for solving problems or addressing general questions
Assist supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members
Ensure that all team members follow proper procedures
Provide information on specific materials and components required for tooling work orders
Provide technician GSE support, which involves building, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting pneumatic and hydraulic equipment such as valves, plumbing, and components related to the Starship Tower build
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems, and other ancillary equipment, including mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components
Fabricate and repair GSE/testing hardware and equipment
Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE/testing activities
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
Drive workspace cleanliness; maintain organization
Perform a variety of related duties in support of integrated system installation and activation