Equipment Maintenance Technician, Heatshield (Starship)

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.

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, HEATSHIELD (STARSHIP) 

The Equipment Maintenance Technician plays a vital role in supporting SpaceX’s Starship operations team by maintaining and repairing critical assets to ensure their optimal performance in high-stakes manufacturing environments. This hands-on position involves performing preventative and corrective maintenance on complex automation systems, troubleshooting and resolving issues in control, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical components—such as PLCs, servomotors, actuators, gearboxes, overhead cranes, and KUKA robotics—while adhering to safety protocols. By collaborating with engineering and production teams, interpreting schematics, documenting repairs, and applying analytical problem-solving to deliver permanent solutions, the Equipment Maintenance Technician upholds operational reliability and efficiency, directly contributing to the success of Starship’s mission to advance human space exploration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain and repair all assets to ensure their proper operating condition
• Provide preventative and corrective maintenance on various complex automation systems
• Troubleshoot and repair control & electrical system failures involving – PLCs, HMIs, servomotors, servo amplifiers, input/output, field sensors
• Troubleshoot and repair various machine tool hydraulic and pneumatic systems – actuators, valves, pumps, filters
• Troubleshoot and repair automated tool mechanical systems – ballscrews, linear rails, guideways, gearboxes, 3 phase motors
• Drive forklifts and company vehicles
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of maintenance technician experience
• 2+ years of experience with hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and/or electrical repair

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience as a maintenance technician or field service engineer
• 5+ years experience repairing, troubleshooting, and/or commissioning overhead crane equipment 
• Experience installing, aligning and commissioning automated production cells in aerospace environment
• Experience accessing and modifying Siemens control logic or similar PLC architectures 
• Experience in the application & operation of precision machine tools in aerospace manufacturing environment
• Experience with CAD and/or mechanical design
• Experience operating a forklift and other related inventory equipment
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics and drawings
• Ability to write detailed repair reports (advanced MS Office skills)
• Ability to use power tools and hand tools as well as heavy equipment
• Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
• Analytic thinker that gets to the root of problems and comes up with permanent solutions to remedy issues

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Available for at least one of the following shifts:
  • 1st shift: 6 AM to 6:30 PM
  • 3rd shift: 6 PM to 6:30 AM
• 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.