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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Lead Development Test Technician (Starship Structural Test) - 1st Shift

Starbase, TXFull TimeLeadPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

Starship
structural test
1st Shift
pneumatic
hydraulic
valves
plumbing
schematics
drawings
blueprints

Nice to have

A&P license
aerospace industry
military
high-reliability operating environment
ground support equipment
mechanical training

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Development Test Technician for their Starship Structural Test team on the 1st shift. This role involves leading a small team, assigning work, enforcing standards, and clearing blockers. The technician will act as a liaison between employees and management, assist with coaching and training, and ensure adherence to procedures. Responsibilities include providing technician GSE support, building, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting pneumatic and hydraulic equipment for the Starship Tower. The role also requires maintaining and repairing equipment and instrumentation, reading technical documents, operating high-pressure systems, and fabricating/repairing GSE. Collaboration with design engineers and adherence to safety and regulatory procedures are essential. The position requires 3+ years of industrial experience with high-pressure systems and 2+ years assembling large mechanical structures. Preferred qualifications include an Associate degree, A&P license, and aerospace industry experience.

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.

LEAD DEVELOPMENT TEST TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP STRUCTURAL TEST) – 1ST SHIFT

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Help lead a small team in support of testing operations, handing out work assignments based on priorities, enforcing safety & workmanship standards, and ensuring blockers are cleared at the appropriate level

Function as the liaison between employees and management for solving problems or addressing general questions

Assist supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members

Ensure that all team members follow proper procedures

Provide information on specific materials and components required for tooling work orders

Provide technician GSE support, which involves building, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting pneumatic and hydraulic equipment such as valves, plumbing, and components related to the Starship Tower build

Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed

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

Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems, and other ancillary equipment, including mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components

Fabricate and repair GSE/testing hardware and equipment

Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE/testing activities

Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required

Follow all necessary regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures, including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, NFPA, ASME, NEC, etc.

Develop novel ways site-wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations

Drive workspace cleanliness; maintain organization

Perform a variety of related duties in support of integrated system installation and activation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

3+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipes and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high-pressure systems (pneumatic or hydraulic)

2+ years assembling and configuring large mechanical structures and test stands using forklifts, cranes, and proper rigging techniques

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate degree

A&P license

Experience in the aerospace industry, military, or other high-reliability operating environment

Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry

Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling)

Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage

Willingness to learn/experience troubleshooting and repairing instrumentation and low-voltage wiring

Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem-solving play a critical role

Knowledge of all types of borescope inspection equipment

Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT and A/N

Ability to utilize power tools and hand tools as well as heavy equipment

Use of precision measuring instruments

Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics

Knowledge of hazardous systems – cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric

Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

General physical fitness is required for some work areas, as flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required

Must be able to work the following shift:

Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 4:30 pm

Valid driver's license and a clean driving record

Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500ft

Able to travel to alternate work sites to support fabrication activities

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

Able to work overtime and weekends depending on site operational needs

Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 3 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours per day

Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 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 more 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.

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