Thermal Development Technician

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems by developing the heat shields for our next generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry. As a technician on the TPS team, you will thrive in a hands-on environment and will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the SpaceX mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next tier products (candidate must be comfortable working with these types of ceramic materials)
• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
• Basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging - check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven curing
• Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing
• Perform product inspection and rework as required
• Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding for drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Experience with layup, bonding or assembly of composites or chemical processes
• Experience with hand tools or hand-held power tools

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
• Experience with composite tooling materials
• Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)
• Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications
• Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases
• Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)
• Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes
• Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts
• Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work one of the following shifts: 4 days on, 3 days off; 3 days on, 4 days off,
  • Sunday-Wednesday 1st shift (6:00am – 6:30pm)
  • Sunday-Wednesday 2nd shift (6:00pm – 6:30am)
  • Wednesday-Saturday 2nd shift (6:00am – 6:30pm)
• Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime, as necessary, to support business needs
• Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
• Willing to travel
• Willing to work overtime when necessary
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: 

TPS Technician/Level 1: $20.00 - $27.00/hour
TPS Technician/Level 2: $25.00 - $32.50/hour
TPS Technician/Level 3: $30.00 - $38.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.