Test Technician (Starlink)

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.

TEST TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)

SpaceX is seeking a hands-on Test Technician to support development and qualification testing of Starlink satellites in the Redmond Test Lab. The lab is responsible for mechanical, structural, environmental, pressure, battery-cell, and solar-cell evaluation testing that proves satellite hardware before flight. This technician is the operator on the floor: prepare hardware and assets, run released procedures, fabricate fixtures and ground support equipment to print, and restore the setup.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assemble, instrument, and test satellite flight hardware throughout development, production, and on-orbit correlation testing phases
• Monitor and assess test asset and test article performance throughout development and qualification campaigns
• Activate, evaluate, monitor, and maintain space simulation test equipment (Thermal, Thermal Vacuum, HASS / HALT, Vibration, Shock, Battery, Pressure, Solar)
• Assembly, activation and troubleshooting of custom test racks and automated equipment interfaces to increase test lab capability and unit test quality
• Structural test build and execution for a variety of large- and small-scale structural and mechanical satellite components
• Work with engineering to plan, build, and activate test equipment (mechanical assemblies, gas, hydraulic, cryogenic fluid systems, etc.)
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation and harnessing. including pressure transducers, flowmeters, temperature sensors, accelerometers and strain gauges

 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical/structural/fluid/electrical systems
• 1+ years of experience performing electronic testing and inspection using measuring devices

 PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with NASA STD 8739.4, IPC-620, and J-STD-001 qualifications
• Experience with electromechanical build processes including iron & hot-air soldering; wire crimping and stripping; machine and hand drilling, shaping, cutting, and joining; 3D plastic printing
• Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses including: soldering, crimping, assembling connectors
• A&P (airframe and powerplant) license
• Able to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
• Knowledge/experience with cryogenic systems (gaseous and liquid)
• Experience with rigging, cranes, and lift operations
• Experience with precision measuring instruments/equipment
• Knowledge of various fittings (NPT, MS, AN, Swagelok, medium pressure)
• Experience with test operations procedures including hydraulic load control, hydro/pneumatic pressure control, and safe handling of flight parts
• Strong computer and analytical skills including proficiency in spreadsheets, databases, shop floor management software (ERP), and related programs
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to navigate and manipulate files
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed; shift assignment is based on business need and may change
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Flexibility is required: responsibilities, assets, and priorities will change as Starlink development and qualification needs change

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $23.00 - $29.00
Level 2: $28.00 - $34.50
Level 3: $33.00 - $40.00

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 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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.