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.

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

Mechanical systems technicians at the Rocket Development and Test Facility work in a fast-paced testing environment, where the extraordinary becomes the everyday. This role participates in the build, activation, modification, and improvement of fluid and mechanical systems that test the most powerful high-volume rocket engines in the world. With a focus on repairs and reliability, maintenance technicians are expected to utilize all tools at their disposal to ensure the functionality of rocket development and production test stands. This work includes performing corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance on test systems, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical hardware, and providing operations and design feedback to drive improvements across our entire test site.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Modify and maintain test stands and ground support equipment that support testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various rocket components
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair hardware associated with rocket test stand systems, typically part of fluid, structural, and mechanical subsystems
• Maintain structural/mechanical systems and related components such as rollers, bearings, rams, etc.
• Maintain fluid systems and related components such as process piping, pumps, valves, filters, etc.
• Collaborate with design and operations engineers to maintain systems in peak operating condition, provide feedback on designs and operations, and promote continual improvement of ground support equipment
• Develop novel methods to streamline and increase the reliability of internal process across the entire test site
• Follow all regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, NFPA, ASME, NEC and other standards

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience working with hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, cryogenic, high-pressure gas, or data systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience working as a maintenance technician, service technician, field service engineer, or mechanic
• Strong familiarity with schematics/diagrams for fluids routing, instrumentation, and electrical components
• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment with power generation, oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, or electronics
• Knowledge of vacuum systems, HVAC systems, process piping inspections/operations, tubing and pipe fittings, rotating machinery (pumps, air compressors), and a wide variety of mechanical fasteners
• Knowledge of high-pressure gas, hydraulic, cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, and pyrophoric systems
• Experience with heavy equipment or industrial operations and maintenance
• Experience in equipment maintenance and calibration, instrumentation troubleshooting, process controls, and data and control systems
• Operational knowledge of process instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, load cells, flow meters, etc.)
• Operational knowledge of basic electrical theory and electrical troubleshooting (multi-meter fault finding, soldering/connecting, operation of various crimping tools, etc.)
• Experience with CMMS or ERP systems such as Maximo, SAP, Oracle, etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a fast-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take individual initiative, and communicate effectively to peers, leadership, and customers
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 ft.) with proper PPE
• Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 25 lbs.) unassisted
• Must be able to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required
• Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed, heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
• Must be able to travel to other SpaceX locations as needed (up to 25% of work time)
• Working conditions may be in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:        Pay range:    Mechanical Systems Technician/Level 1: $18.00/hour    Mechanical Systems Technician/Level 2: $23.00/hour    Mechanical Systems Technician/Level 3: $28.00/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.