Electronics Technician (Development Test) at SpaceX
McGregor, TX, 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.
ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN (DEVELOPMENT TEST)
The Development Test team strives to be a safe, high-performing, versatile test operations team capable of operating in elevated risk situations. We are responsible for sustaining the Dragon program and running tests on any Starlink, Starship, or Falcon project in order to achieve our ultimate company mission of making life multi-planetary. We aim to excel at operating in environments where there is uncertainty and embrace the unexpected outcomes that result from test operations. We will provide immediate, consistent, and clear communication to our customers to build strong relationships so teams around the company seek out our business. We are a team that sets goals, advertises them, meets them, and then improves the process and delivers again.
SpaceX technicians work in a fast-paced environment, supporting a variety of propulsion and structural systems tests. The Electronics Technician will provide technical expertise is the areas of instrumentation and data acquisition hardware in support of our launch vehicles and spacecraft.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform complex technical assignments involving instrumentation and data acquisition/processing systems
Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors
Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
Complete necessary instrumentation of test stands, wiring, and data acquisition systems
Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
Perform lay out and wiring of electrical panels
Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems
Perform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments such as ohmmeters and sequential continuity checkers
Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
Analyze results of calibrations and processed data and assist in the interpretation of test data
Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments
Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment
Configure the data acquisition hardware
Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components and records effects on unit performance
Collaborate with design engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data
Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalency certification
2+ years of experience working with industrial instrumentation or avionics
2+ years of experience troubleshooting using at least one the following types of electrical test equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, hi-pot testers, signal generators
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply ohms law, and an understanding of DC electronics
Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or related field
Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope & multi-meter, soldering wires & connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, ohm's law, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing & tie wrapping cables, drilling & tapping holes, and building junction boxes
System level trouble-shooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
Knowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: thermocouple types K,S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld on and adhesive bond on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts
Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC convertors; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, proper strain relief concepts
Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration and the application strain gages are also highly desired
Working knowledge multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating systems
Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 25 lbs) unassisted
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet)
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Must be available for overtime and weekends as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
Valid driver's license
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
