Development Test Technician (Mechanical)

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.

DEVELOPMENT TEST TECHNICIAN (MECHANICAL)

Development test technicians get to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance, work on flight and development engines, and support test and build equipment and tooling. Development test technicians support the company by building and maintaining flight-worthy spacecraft engines, components, and associated test equipment, supporting engineering in suggesting and implementing process improvements, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. These technicians support activities in the engine assembly area, as well as enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our development test (R&D) stands, supporting test operations first-hand. Development test technicians enjoy witnessing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day. We work as a highly integrated team and job responsibilities will include helping other programs to ensure the overall success of SpaceX.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations

Ensure all test stand-related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner

Perform post-test operations and inspections to ensure flight-worthy hardware

Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed

Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment needed for test operations

Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities

Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to applicable standards

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

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

Monitor and maintain a reasonable inventory of cryogenic equipment, pneumatic equipment, fittings, hoses, and other supplies necessary to perform test operations

Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components

Process work orders and maintenance tickets

Perform a variety of related duties in support of acceptance and development testing, as well as testing site-wide, as needed

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

Participate in rigging and crane operations for test equipment and test articles; including hangar bridge cranes and mobile crane lifts

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

3+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment

3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) license

Experience in airframe structural repair

Experience in aviation electronics and avionics

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training

Experience with the testing process and optimization of test processes

Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication

Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry

Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment

Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation

Knowledge of vacuum systems

Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment

Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, AN, and Swagelok

A demonstrated ability to read/understand technical manuals and reports

Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings

Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment

Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing) between other employees and customers

Experience with rigging, cranes, and lift operations

Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

Experience with analog and digital instrumentation (load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, RTDs, TCs, encoders, deflection gages, LVDTs, accelerometers, IMUs)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid driver’s license

Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions

The ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position (up to 25lbs unassisted)

Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE

Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, etc.

Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and hazardous environments

Must be able to work in elevated PPE, including supplied air respirators and chemical-resistant self-encapsulating suits

Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required

Must be able to and available for travel (up to 20% of the time), including military and government installations

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 .