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.

LAUNCH HARDWARE SPECIALIST (FABRICATION & TOOLING)

Launch Hardware’s mission is to upgrade Falcon and Dragon processing facilities, launch pads, and recovery vessels to make aircraft-like launch operations a reality. As a Launch Hardware Specialist, you will own development of advanced fabrication processes and drive projects with technical excellence. You will attack every problem with enthusiasm and remove hurdles. You are a self-starter, team player, have the hunger to venture quickly into unknown areas and make the product work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as the fabrication team liaison to design, manufacturing and project engineers
• Develop smart instrumentation panel designs for ease of fabrication
• Lead continuous improvement activity
• Develop and implement technician training programs
• Assist Lead technicians to coordinate shop and field activity to support project schedules
• Demonstrate a high-level of flexibility and ability to effectively coordinate team activity with all trades
• Assess drawings for manufacturability, create bill of materials, create demand in MRP
• Develop robust solutions for raw material availability
• Utilize internal SpaceX resources and external vendors as needed
• Ensure launch assets are physically configured for upgrades and work areas are accessible by coordinating with launch pad and recovery vessel operations teams
• Create and implement solutions for safe project site operations per SpaceX EH&S direction
• Pre-planning and setup of rentals, consumables, and management of shared equipment mobilization
• Support project engineering team as needed with other project preparations, shop/field coordination, and more

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of professional hands-on experience working in a design/fabrication environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to safely operate and train others in the use of common fabrication and measuring tools and devices
• AutoCad, Solidworks, Visio or other design related software proficiency
• CNC programming
• 5+ years of instrumentation panel design and build
• Orbital Tube Welding 
• Operational knowledge of high-pressure fluids transfer systems
• Experience working with cryogenic systems
• Experience with inventory management, shipping/receiving, and material flow
• Ability to demonstrate strong project management strategy
• Ability to react quickly to change and over-communicate paths forward

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Must be willing to work extended hours, nights, weekends and travel as required; typical work hours are 50-55 hours per week; flexibility required
• General physical fitness is required for some work areas, hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 35 lbs. unassisted
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work at elevated heights
• Ability to work in extreme environments – heat, cold, rain, fumes, odors, and noise

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          

Launch Hardware Specialist/Level 1: $30.00 - $38.00/hour            

Launch Hardware Specialist/Level 2: $34.00 - $43.00/hour            

Launch Hardware Specialist/Level 3: $38.00 - $48.00/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.

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.