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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Thermal Development Technician, Robotic Welding (Starship)

Starbase, TXOnsiteFull TimePosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Starship
Thermal Protection Systems
heat shield
atmospheric reentry
robotic welding
vacuum chambers
thermal chambers
CNC machines
robotic welders
electrical components

Nice to have

Kuka
Fanuc
6-axis robots
PLC programming
robotics
stud arc welding

Role summary

The Thermal Development Technician for Robotic Welding on the Starship program will maintain, program, and operate robotic and automated systems for heat shield manufacturing and integration. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance (vacuum chambers, thermal chambers, CNC, robotic welders), electrical and mechanical component replacement, fabrication of thermal protection system components, and process documentation. Requires experience with hand/power tools, electrical troubleshooting, mechanical repair, and schematic reading. Preferred experience includes Kuka/Fanuc robots, PLC programming, and CNC operation. This role involves shift work, overtime, and physical demands including working at heights.

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.

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, ROBOTIC WELDING (STARSHIP)

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s most challenging problems, owning the development and integration of the heat shield for our next-generation spacecraft, Starship. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric reentry. As a technician on the TPS team, you will primarily be responsible for maintaining, programming, and operating robotic and automated systems while supporting heat shield manufacturing and integration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide maintenance on various equipment: vacuum chambers, thermal chambers, CNC machines, and robotic welders

Maintain, repair, and operate all robotic assets to ensure their proper operating condition

Replace and install electrical components such as switches, relays, contactors, transformers, rectifiers, circuit breakers, fuses, and sensors for temperature/pressure/position

Replace and install mechanical components such as bearings, bushings, motors, shafts, collars, couplings, pulleys, belts, gears, chains, rollers, pumps, valves, hoses, and o-rings on a variety of system equipment

Support the fabrication of ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system

Support basic fabrication, surface preparation, bonding, and oven curing operations

Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing

Perform hardware inspection and rework as required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience operating and maintaining Kuka, Fanuc, or other 6 –axis robots

Experience working with PLC programming, robotics, and CNC machines

Basic understanding of stud arc welding

3+ years of experience with electrical system troubleshooting

Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings

Ability to describe and navigate through a machine’s functions, root cause recurrent issues, and identify the cross-referenced parts needed for repairs

3+ years of experience as a technician

Experience within the aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, or electronic manufacturing fields

Experience with hand/power tools, forklifts, and other heavy equipment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work one of the following shifts:

Monday- Friday (6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)

Monday -Friday (6:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.)

Willing to work overtime when necessary

Hold or be will to obtain a valid Driver's License

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 1 hour per day

Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day

Walk: Up to 6 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees Up to 1 hour per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), using an air purifying respirator, 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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