SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

Test Operations Technician - Falcon Test

Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeMcGregor, TX, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least 3 years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid or pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment.
At least 3 years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling.
Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as operational needs require; flexibility is required.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Must be able to travel for short and extended trips as needed, with travel under 20%.
Must be able to work in tight quarters requiring physical dexterity.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Must be able to work at elevated heights up to 300 feet with proper personal protective equipment.
Must be able to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, and other conditions, and in environments with fumes, odors, and noise.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities

Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations.
Ensure all test stand-related equipment, systems, and servicing are completed on time and safely.
Perform post-test operations and inspections to ensure a flight-worthy vehicle.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed.
Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware and equipment needed for test operations.
Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities.
Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards.
Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems and pumps, and ancillary equipment, including pneumatic components.
Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required.
Monitor and maintain a reasonable inventory of cryogenic equipment, pneumatic equipment, fittings, hoses, and other supplies needed for test operations.
Acquire inventory parts and equipment needed to repair or replace defective components.
Process work orders and maintenance tickets.
Perform related duties supporting stage testing and site-wide testing as needed.
Develop novel site-wide methods to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations.

Desired Qualifications

An associate degree in an engineering, technical, or mechanical field.
An airframe and powerplant (A&P) license.
Experience in airframe structural repair.
Experience in aviation electronics and avionics.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training.
Experience with testing processes and test-process optimization.
Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair and fabrication.
Experience with ground support equipment in the aerospace industry.
Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or another high-reliability operating environment.
Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and generating and compiling photos.
Experience with crane and lift operations.
Knowledge of vacuum systems.
Knowledge of different types of borescope inspection equipment.
Knowledge of fittings such as NPT, MS, A/N, and Swagelok.
Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports.
Ability to read and understand operating system schematics and drawings.
Experience using precision measuring instruments and equipment.
Communication skills for relaying data verbally and in writing to other employees and customers.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities in a fast-paced, challenging work environment.

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 OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN (FALCON TEST)

Test operations technicians assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance and work on integrated rocket hardware, including fuel tanks and integrated stages, as well as supporting test equipment. These test operations technicians enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our robust test stands, supporting test operations first-hand, as well as in the hangar where stage integration takes place. Test operations technicians enjoy experiencing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations
Ensure all test stand-related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
Perform post-test operations and inspections to ensure a flight-worthy vehicle
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment needed for test operations
Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities
Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards
Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components
Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
Monitor and maintain a reasonable inventory of cryogenic equipment, pneumatic equipment, fittings, hoses, and other supplies necessary to perform test operations
Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components
Process work orders and maintenance tickets
Perform a variety of related duties in support of stage testing, as well as testing site-wide, as needed
Develop novel ways site-wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate degree in an engineering, technical, or mechanical field
A&P license
Experience in airframe structural repair
Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
Experience with the testing process and optimization of test processes
Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry
Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment
Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation
Experience with crane and lift operations
Knowledge of vacuum systems
Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, A/N, and Swagelok
A demonstrated ability to read/understand technical manuals and reports
Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment
Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in writing) between other employees and customers
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Anticipated hours are 6:00 AM–3:30 PM or 3:00 PM–12:30 AM (rotating shifts)
Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as operational needs; flexibility required
Valid driver’s license
Ability to travel for short and extended trips as needed (< 20% travel)
Ability to work in tight quarters that require physical dexterity
Ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position (up to 25 Ibs unassisted)
Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, etc.
Ability to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

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].

About the Company

SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

SpaceX builds and launches reusable rockets and spacecraft for NASA, the military, and companies, and it runs Starlink, a satellite internet service for homes and businesses. In 2020, its Dragon capsule became the first privately built spacecraft to carry astronauts to the International Space Station. Its Falcon 9 rocket lands its first stage so the booster can fly again, which cuts launch costs, while Starlink beams internet from low-orbit satellites to small dishes for a monthly fee. SpaceX also owns xAI, maker of the Grok chatbot and owner of the social network X, and is building Starship, a fully reusable rocket meant to carry people to the Moon and Mars. Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, and it is based in Starbase, Texas.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Starbase, Texas
Founded: 2002

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at SpaceX

See more jobs