Electronics Technician (Falcon Test) at SpaceX
McGregor, TX
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 (FALCON TEST)
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 at least one of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, oscilloscopes, multimeters (experience from a 2+ year technical college program counts)
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 25lbs.) 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; flexibility required
Valid driver's license
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Electronics Technician/Level 1: $18.00/hour
Electronics Technician/Level 2: $23.00/hour
Electronics Technician/Level 3: $28.00/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
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.