SpaceX Logo

SpaceX

Propulsion Technician (Starship)

Posted 15 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Hawthorne, CA
20-38
Junior
Hawthorne, CA
20-38
Junior
The Propulsion Technician builds and tests key components for Starship, ensuring quality and safety, and troubleshooting problems directly with engineers.
The summary above was generated by AI

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.

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

The Propulsion Components team develops the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our technicians serve as hardware build and test experts for the electromechanical actuator and flow control devices that drive the critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy. You will build motors, gearboxes, pumps, electrical assemblies, valves, regulators, and mechanisms for maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from 70K to 700K and pressures beyond 10,000 psig.

As a technician, you will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of build quality, ensuring tests are being run correctly, and interfacing directly with engineers on the floor. Technicians in this role will be capable of understanding component functionality to be able to assist in troubleshooting or recognizing potential hazards/issues before they occur and helping to update work instructions/processes to reduce future issues and increase personnel safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality components for Starship and Super Heavy. Assemble and test motors, gearboxes, pumps, electrical assemblies, valves, regulators, and mechanisms. Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve SpaceX’s highest-yet component delivery rate in a reliable manner
  • Maintain a safe, professional, and neat work area. Recommend changes to tooling, equipment, training, processes, and personal protective equipment to eliminate safety hazards
  • Set the standard for a rigorous and efficient technician team by operating with high efficiency and utilization across a broad mix of products. Perform work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions, and communicate daily work completion to report to peers/leadership
  • Troubleshoot failure modes, and work directly with engineering to solve technical problems. Provide recommendations to design/instructions/process to improve reliability, manufacturability, or rate of components
  • Grow your skillset (seal installation, assembly, soldering, pressurized testing, etc.) and expertise across products (pneumatic, electromechanical, and passive valves) while training peers in a fast-growing team

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of experience working in a fabrication, manufacturing/assembly, or testing role

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation or automotive hardware
  • A&P license
  • Lean manufacturing (5S) knowledge and experience
  • High attention to detail in order to ensure safety and accuracy of testing procedures
  • Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices and mechanical/electrical systems
  • 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience
  • Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Basic computer experience
  • The ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production teams at all levels of the business
  • The ability to work autonomously or as part of a team to achieve inspiring production goals
  • High pressure testing knowledge
  • High voltage testing knowledge

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Estimated start time: 1st shit (5:00 AM)
  • Able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Propulsion Technician/Level 1: $20.00 - $27.00/per hour
Propulsion Technician/Level 2: $25.00 - $32.50/per hour
Propulsion Technician/Level 3: $30.00 - $38.00/per 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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 [email protected]

Top Skills

Cad Software
Electromechanical Systems
Flow Measurement Devices
Pressure Measurement Devices
Temperature Measurement Devices

SpaceX Hawthorne, California, USA Office

1 Rocket Road, Hawthorne, CA, United States, 90250

Similar Jobs

2 Hours Ago
Hybrid
3 Locations
117K-128K Annually
Mid level
117K-128K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Professional Services • Analytics • Consulting
The role involves developing UI components with React.js, implementing best practices in software development, and optimizing performance across devices. Leadership in UI engineering and collaboration with teams is crucial.
Top Skills: C#CSSEnzymeFluxHTMLJavaJavaScriptNext.JsPythonReactReduxWebpack
2 Hours Ago
Remote
Hybrid
San Diego, CA, USA
127K-215K Annually
Mid level
127K-215K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • HR Tech • Information Technology • Productivity • Software • Automation
Build and maintain scalable, high-quality code, mentor colleagues, and contribute to product design and implementation while integrating AI into processes.
Top Skills: AngularJavaJavaScriptReactVue
2 Hours Ago
Remote
Hybrid
Santa Clara, CA, USA
164K-286K Annually
Senior level
164K-286K Annually
Senior level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • HR Tech • Information Technology • Productivity • Software • Automation
As a Staff Quality Performance Engineer, you will focus on performance testing, troubleshooting issues, and improving reliability of services. You will design and execute tests using tools like JMeter, ensure products meet performance standards, and enhance testing methodologies.
Top Skills: BlazemeterJavaJavaScriptJmeterPerlPythonShellSplunkYourkit

What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene

Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.

Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account