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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

Starbase, TXFull TimePosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

ceramic materials
fabrication
surface preparation
bonding
oven curing
product inspection
rework
engineering drawings
production machinery maintenance
hand tools

Nice to have

precision measuring instruments
calipers
height gauge
depth mic
personnel platforms
boom lifts

Role summary

The Thermal Development Technician on the Starship program will be responsible for developing and manufacturing heat shields and thermal protection systems (TPS) for rockets and spacecraft. This hands-on role involves working with ceramic materials, fabricating components like tiles and coatings, performing surface preparation, bonding, and oven curing. The technician will document processes, conduct product inspections, interpret engineering drawings, and assist with production machinery maintenance. Preferred skills include precision measurement, operating personnel platforms, working with various processing and curing equipment, mixing coatings and sealants, and experience with TPS/PICA materials. Experience with robotic automation, HMIs, PLCs, and adhesives is also beneficial. The role requires adherence to specific shifts and physical capabilities for working at heights and in demanding 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.

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems by developing the heat shields for our next generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry. As a technician on the TPS team, you will thrive in a hands-on environment and will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the mission to bring the capability of flying astronauts back to the United States.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products (candidate must be comfortable working with these types of ceramic materials)

Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system

Basic fabrication, surface preparation for processing, bonding, and oven curing

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

Perform product inspection and rework as required

Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding for drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes

Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Ability to use precision measuring instruments (calipers, height gauge, depth mic)

Ability to operate personnel platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)

Ability to perform work according to procedures and specifications

Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure

Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications

Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases

Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)

Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes

Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts

Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel)

Experience operating and maintaining Kuka or other 6 –axis robots

Experience in using Simantic or other HMIs

Basic understanding of stud arc welding

Basic understanding of robotic automation

Experience working with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in an automation setting

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.)

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

Possess a valid Driver 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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