SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Apprentice Controls Technician

Name: RiseMe
Availability: InStock

Mcgregor, TXFull TimePosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Associate's degree
instrumentation
control technology
electrical systems
pressure transducers
thermocouples
valves
flow meters
multimeters
oscilloscopes

Nice to have

RTDs
silicon diode temperature devices
strain gauges
load cells
displacement transducers
turbine flow meters

Role summary

Seeking an Apprentice Controls Technician to support the build-up and maintenance of data and control systems for space access. Responsibilities include maintaining, calibrating, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition, and electrical systems. The role involves investigating and correcting system malfunctions, building and testing electrical/electronic components, performing wire terminations, and interpreting technical documentation like schematics and blueprints. A degree in a related field and experience with basic instrumentation are required, with preferred experience in a wider range of instrumentation, harness assembly, electronics theory, troubleshooting, signal conditioning, bus architectures, and project planning.

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.

APPRENTICE CONTROLS TECHNICIAN

The apprentice controls technician will support the build-up and maintenance of our data and control systems. These systems consist of varying data acquisition and control hardware, wiring and interface harnesses, and a wide variety of instrumentation. The goal of this team is to meet a variety of test requirements to achieve safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems

Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions

Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems

Perform wire terminations to a variety of instruments and verify sensor health: pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, limits, and flow meters

Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components, and record effects on unit performance

Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate's degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems or related field

Experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes (experience from college program counts)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters (turbine, coriolis, and ultrasonic)

IPC 620 spec for harness assembly

Basic knowledge of Wheatstone Bridge Theory, ability to apply Ohm's Law, and an understanding of DC electronics

Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope and multi-meter, soldering wires and connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxes

System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action

Experience with Variable Frequency Drives and motor starters, and knowledge in troubleshooting

Knowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld on and adhesive bond on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts

Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies, DC-DC convertors, UPS installations, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts

Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gauges are also highly desired. Ability to identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications

Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies

Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks, stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions

Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating Systems

Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)

Knowledge in data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Role may require extended hours, weekend work and shift schedules, that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required

Ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position, up to 50 pounds unassisted

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand

Ability to work at elevated heights

Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary – up to 10%

Valid driver’s license

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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