Role summary
SpaceX is seeking a Controls Technician for the Starship program. This role involves reading and interpreting technical documents, fabricating, installing, and repairing components for launch environments. Responsibilities include wiring electrical ground support equipment, troubleshooting failures with launch engineers, and performing various maintenance tasks across the launch site. The position requires a high school diploma and 5+ years of experience as a mechanic, technician, electrician, or construction worker. Preferred skills include electronic system assembly, instrumentation experience, and knowledge of specific electronic theories and devices. The role demands flexibility for shift work, potential travel, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in challenging environments.
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.
CONTROLS TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) - LEVEL 4/5
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches
Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of ground hardware, test, and integration equipment
Fabricate and install parts and systems used in launch environments using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments
Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors
Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
Complete necessary wiring of the electrical ground support equipment for ground systems
Collaborate with launch engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from launch activities
Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify wiring of electronics racks and junction boxes
Perform maintenance tasks as required in a variety of roles for vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities, and any other general maintenance work as required to maintain an operational launch site
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
5+ years of experience as a mechanic, technician, electrician, or construction worker
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
3+ years of experience using power tools in a professional capacity
1+ years of experience with electronic system assembly and construction
3+ years of experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), thermocouples, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers
Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm’s law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronics
Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or another related field
Experience working in corrosive environments and mitigation techniques
Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering wires, connectors
System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
Knowledge of 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
Experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC converters; uninterruptable power supply (UPS) installations; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application strain gages
Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures and data communication technologies
Intermediate skill level using Windows operating systems
Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
Knowledge of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI based)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work multiple shifts and change shifts with minimal notice; flexibility required
Ability to travel to different sites, as needed, up to 20% travel
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
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
Sit: Up to 10 hours per day
Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or greater per day
Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.
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.
