Lead Network Infrastructure Technician

SpaceX•Bastrop, TX

About The Position

SpaceX technicians work in a complex environment supporting critical launch and landing site and ground support systems. The Network Infrastructures team installs and supports telecommunications infrastructure for vehicle and spacecraft production and launches. This work includes layer 1 fiber and copper data cabling, mission video, ground-side vehicle and payload interface systems, ground stations, telemetry and optical tracking systems, marine communications, readiness testing, and other systems supporting real-time communications and operations for Falcon, Dragon, Starship, and other missions. The Lead Network Infrastructure Technician installs, tests, troubleshoots, and documents cabling and communications equipment; carries out technical assignments involving communications, instrumentation, and data systems; interprets technical plans and diagrams; and directs subcontractor work while validating that safety and quality expectations are met. The role typically involves 40-hour work weeks, with overtime as required. Schedules vary according to site operational needs, and flexibility is required. The position may require work at elevated heights or in tight spaces, exposure to outdoor weather and occasional fumes, odors, and noise, and travel to other SpaceX locations. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least 5 years of experience installing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing fiber optics, copper cabling (RF and Ethernet), network and telephony installations, and audio/video systems.
Ability to distinguish between different colors and perform fine motor tasks requiring manual dexterity.
Ability to work at elevated heights and/or in tight spaces.
Ability to stand and lift and carry moderately heavy materials or equipment weighing 15 to 35 pounds.
Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments, including heat, cold, and rain, and occasionally in environments involving fumes, odors, and noise.
Availability to work overtime, nights, and weekends when required by mission milestones.
Ability to travel approximately 10–25% to other SpaceX locations as required.
Flexibility to accommodate schedules that vary with site operational needs.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Technical expertise installing, terminating, and testing low-voltage and fiber-optic cables, including twisted pair, coaxial, stranded and solid-conductor low-voltage cables, and single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables.
Strong knowledge of industry standards (BICSI, NEC, TIA/EIA), interior and exterior fiber types, Cat5E, Cat6, and Cat6A data cabling, and cable pathways such as conduit, fire penetrations, and cable trays.
Knowledge of telecommunications network best practices and concepts, including network security, network architecture design, technical standards and deliverables, troubleshooting tools such as line analyzers, breakout boxes, and network traces, software and hardware installation and configuration, network hardware, and protocols such as TCP/IP, DLC, and ASYNC.
Working knowledge of audio, video, and wireless systems and their physical delivery methods, including analog, digital, AoIP, and VoIP.
Operational knowledge of oscilloscopes and multimeters; soldering wires and connectors; crimping tools; wire-stripping techniques; Ohm’s law; continuity testing; pinning out military-type connectors; routing and tie-wrapping cables; drilling and tapping holes; and building junction boxes.
Experience with DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, heat-shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain-relief concepts.
Experience with IP and HD-SDI video cameras and infrastructure.
Comprehension of modern networking architecture and the physical-layer interconnectivity it requires.
Experience operating articulating boom lifts, forklifts, scissor lifts, and other work-site machinery.

Responsibilities

Install, terminate, test, troubleshoot, and document test results for fiber, network, audio, video, and RF cabling.
Install, test, and troubleshoot audio, video, and RF equipment.
Install cable pathway systems such as cable trays, cable racks, J-hooks, and D-rings.
Install, terminate, test, label, and document horizontal, backbone, and other cables.
Build out telecommunication and equipment rooms.
Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs.
Perform continuity checks and locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments.
Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions.
Perform complex technical assignments involving communications systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition and processing systems.
Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data.
Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches.
Direct subcontractors on scope of work and standards.
Ensure contractors follow safety and quality expectations.
Validate contractor deliveries before sign-offs.