Job Detail

Job Description

Heat Shield Technician (Starship) at SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL, United States

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.

HEAT SHIELD TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration's toughest problems by developing the heat shields for our next generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry. As a technician on the TPS team, you will thrive in a hands-on environment and will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the SpaceX mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next tier products (candidate must be comfortable working with these types of ceramic materials)

• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system

• Basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging - check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven curing

• Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing

• Perform product inspection and rework as required

• Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding for drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes

• Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate

• Experience with layup, bonding or assembly of composites or chemical processes

• Experience with hand tools or hand-held power tools

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure

• Experience with composite tooling materials

• Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)

• Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications

• Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases

• Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)

• Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes

• Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts

• Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This role requires working 4 days on, 3 days off; 3 days on, 4 days off, Wednesday-Saturday from 6 AM - 6:30 PM

• Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime, as necessary, to support business needs

• Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator

• Willing to travel

• Ability to climb ladders and work in tight spaces

• Willing to work overtime when necessary

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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 (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

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.

Job Detail

• Location:
  Cape Canaveral, Florida
• Company:
  SpaceX