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.

NDE LEVEL III SPECIALIST, ET

In our on-going efforts to reduce risk and assure the quality of our parts with little or no negative impact to production rate, the mission of the NDE engineering team is to develop and maintain the most advanced and cost effective inspection systems and processes possible.

This is a dynamic role often requiring effective cross-boundary collaboration among various internal resources, engineering teams, and other stakeholders. It also includes managing equipment manufacturers, integrators, and NDE suppliers outside of SpaceX as needed to complete development projects. To be successful at this position requires dynamic problem solving skills, as well as, strong project management, documentation and communication skills. In addition, this position requires deep technical knowledge in the primary method and an understanding of industry best practices, tools, equipment, codes, processes and procedures.

Specifically, the Level III Specialist is responsible to develop inspection solutions, drive project schedules, provide status updates, meet deliverable requirements, and maintain required project documentation. The Level 3 Specialist is also responsible to provide technical support for the NDE operations inspectors and periodically may be required to develop and deliver training content and provide qualification testing, including proctoring written and practical examinations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proactively look for inspection process improvement opportunities including new technology assessments and implementations
• Develop process improvement initiatives and project manage them to successful completion
• Collaborate with design/manufacturing engineering and NDE operations to address emergent inspection problems/opportunities and implement effective and efficient solutions
• Interpret NDE requirement callout notes on part specific engineering drawings and produce part-specific inspection procedures to meet those requirements
• Develop new inspection procedure qualification strategies and produce qualification reports
• Review, interpret, correlate and organize complex inspection data into reports addressing/resolving production inspection issue tickets
• Relative to new processes or procedures, mentor, train, and support NDE operations inspectors
• As needed:
  • Audit NDE operations inspections for quality, accuracy, consistency, and reliability
  • Develop training content, deliver training, and proctor qualification/certification examinations
  • Support outside inspection supplier surveillance, on-boarding, and/or audits
  • Review/approve contracted inspection vendor techniques
  • Support data reviews, root cause and corrective actions for NDE escapes and containments
  • Present technical responses to inquiries from the NASA working group or USSF

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of ET level III experience (ASNT or NAS-410)
• 2+ years of experience developing ET inspection system solutions

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education or degree in materials science, aerospace, or electro-mechanical
• Expert knowledge of inspection equipment within your method
• 2+ years of experience supporting the technical development and performance of inspectors
• Ability to read/interpret mechanical drawings
• Mathematics/statistics skills
• Computer skills such as word, excel, and work order ERP systems
• 5+ years as an inspector in the aerospace, powergen, or petrochem industries
• Expert knowledge of codes and requirements i.e. ASME, ASTM, AWS, MIL-STD, NASA STD 5009, NAS-410
• Experience using problem solving tools and techniques: fishbone diagrams, flowcharts, strategy maps, mental maps, idea maps, concept maps, layered process audit software, charting software
• Knowledge/experience with lean principles, kaizen, continuous improvement, 5S

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral
• Able to travel among other SpaceX sites
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)
• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to work in outdoor environments
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
NDE Level III Specialist: $110,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.