Turbomachinery Assembly Specialist (Starship Propulsion)

Hawthorne, CA

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.

TURBOMACHINERY ASSEMBLY SPECIALIST (STARSHIP PROPULSION) 

The Propulsion Assembly Specialist will support development of the Starship Gasifier - a turbomachinery system that provides increased performance and operational capability to Starship and Super Heavy. The role is highly multidisciplinary, and this individual will be tasked with developing propulsion manufacturing capabilities in support of the SpaceX mission. The team consists of engineers working closely together to design, build, and operate the Gasifier system. The ideal candidate is highly skilled with turbomachinery build and test, is hands-on, and is a quick learner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in troubleshooting test failures by disassembling pumps and thoroughly documenting all findings related to the failure.
  • Collaborate with the team to resolve assembly issues, and contribute to the design of tools and work instructions to prevent future issues.
  • Provide training to technicians on turbomachinery assembly and address safety concerns.
  • Identify and escalate tricky designs that lead to manufacturing difficulties, and propose solutions for improving the process
  • Create work instructions as necessary for production of propulsion assemblies
  • Operate pressurized testing cell and pressure panel, and execute tests
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
  • Interface with production to triage issue tickets
  • Maintain and organize pressure testing area, supporting equipment, and consumables
  • Select, modify, and maintain equipment needed to perform tests and fabrications projects
  • Summarize and distribute test data and preliminary test results to all interested parties
  • Create and perform asset maintenance plans
  • Onboard new machinery or equipment to support the production team.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 3+ years of experience in turbopump failure investigations and troubleshooting assembly issues.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • 3+ years of technician experience in mechanical/fluid disciplines.
  • 3+ years of experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
  • Proven ability to rapidly change roles, responsibilities, and learn new skills while working in a high-paced and challenging work environment.
  • Experience building, activating, and operating pressurized test stands.
  • Proficient with standard computer software (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook) and some experience with CAD software (NX, TeamCenter), database/reporting tools (SQL).
  • Proficiency in writing and interpreting planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:    
Propulsion Assembly Specialist/Level 4: $43.00 - $52.00/hour    
Propulsion Assembly Specialist/Level 5: $48.00 - $60.00/hour    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

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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