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.

COMPOSITE OVEN TECHNICIAN – 2ND SHIFT

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Verify composite hand layup vacuum bag quality and integrity in preparation for oven cure.
• Set up and load vacuum bag composite layups by hand or with a forklift.
• Perform vacuum bag leak checks, connect thermocouples and vacuum ports prior to oven curing layups.
• Select or program oven cure programs based on work instruction, drawing, and specification requirements using third party and home-grown computer software programs.
• Monitor cure cycle progress throughout cure, and troubleshoot when problems occur to prevent parts from being scrapped.
• Perform root-cause assessment on leaky vacuum bags. Provide feedback to supervisors, management, and technicians to prevent further occurrences.
• Remove vacuum bags and breather materials from cured laminates, de-tool laminates, stage laminates for inspection, and prepare molds for subsequent layups.
• During up to 50% downtime, assist lamination department in performing hand layups and applying breather materials and vacuum bags to production and development parts. Occasionally help other departments performing tasks such as bond prep, bonding, assembly, painting, trim, and drill.
• Assist with odd job activities such as performing process improvements or setting up new equipment or workstations for other areas in lamination.
• Perform preventive maintenance on ovens to ensure systems perform nominally while curing high dollar value parts.
• Fill out detailed input into the computer-based work order system to document test sequences and procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing development to optimize the capability of the equipment.
• Understand and work from shop orders, blueprints, documents, specifications, etc.
• Coordinate certification and calibration requirements of equipment.
• Report malfunctions of equipment to supervisors or maintenance.
• When necessary, repair and make components of existing tools, dies, jigs, etc.
• Work with engineers on the development of new processes and materials.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• At least 2 years of experience working with composites, oven cures, and/or vacuum bagging.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with thermal protection systems (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablators (PICA).
• Experience operating a laser projector to layout laminated assemblies.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, an understanding for drawing symbols, flag notes and general notes.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, read travelers and SOPs (standard operating procedures).
• Attention to detail and accuracy while working within a fast-paced production environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces.
• Must be willing to work all required shift hours, overtime and weekends as needed. This position operates on an alternative work schedule Monday through Sunday from 5 PM to 5 AM.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    Composite Oven Technician/Level 1: $20.00 - $24.50/hour    Composite Oven Technician/Level 2: $23.00 - $29.00/hour    Composite Oven Technician/Level 3: $27.00 - $35.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.