Build Specialist, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad)

Cape Canaveral, FL

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.

BUILD SPECIALIST, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls build specialists to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between detailed design and activations – that is, developing planning for installing conveyances and pulling cables, building up a healthy supply chain of commonly used parts, assisting in the field as needed, and feeding back lessons learned from the build to the design team. The systems the group is developing are intended to interface with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catch both stages, and enable a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Create work instructions for integration of electrical and controls systems as well as their related secondary structures
  • Identify and escalate tricky designs that lead to manufacturing difficulties, and propose solutions for improving the process
  • Provide production support: rapidly disposition issue tickets, work with engineers to define requirements and standard repairs
  • Troubleshoot electrical and controls systems
  • Select, modify, and maintain equipment needed to perform tests and fabrication projects
  • Onboard new machinery or equipment to increase the efficiency of builds
  • Document build processes
  • Pursue initiatives to streamline the process of going from a design to completed hardware in the field including the areas of supply chain, planning generation, communication with technicians, test plans, tooling, checkouts, and data review 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 2+ years of experience in mechanical, fluid, or electrical disciplines 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Proficiency in writing and interpreting planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
  • Ability to install and use instrumentation including strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry
  • Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses including: soldering, crimping, assembling connectors
  • Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
  • Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet 

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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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

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