Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

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 
• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
• Prepare basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging; check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, and 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
• Weld using the flux cored arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) processes, on carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum structural shapes, tubing and piping
• Cut, trim, fit and fabricate weldments to dimensions for building and assembling using standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Collaborate with other welders to ensure that the proper weld procedure, type of material, and rod size are accurately assessed for each welding project
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
• Machine a wide range of parts and materials for new build projects, maintenance items, equipment upgrades, and emergency requests
• Complete machining operations from blueprints, drawings, verbal instructions, and models
• Give feedback and early process reviews to engineers and designers, and receive feedback to ensure efficiencies in build projects
• Enforce SpaceX processes, procedures, and safety culture while working at company facilities
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

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 experience accurately measuring and mixing 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
• Knowledge in DC, GTAW welding techniques, and engineering requirements
• Knowledge in occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Knowledge in arc air procedures and equipment
• Experience in overhead cranes and forklifts
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • Day shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm alternating week schedule (3 days on 4 days off then 4 days on 3 days off rotating)
  • Night shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am alternating week schedule (3 days on 4 days off then 4 days on 3 days off rotating) 
• 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
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Willing to travel to other sites to support critical business needs
• 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: 

Thermal Development Technician/Level 1: $20.00 - $27.00/hour
Thermal Development Technician/Level 2: $25.00 - $32.50/hour
Thermal Development 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.