Job Information
SpaceX Instrumentation Controls Technician (Starship) - Level 4/5 in Starbase, Texas
Instrumentation Controls Technician (Starship) - Level 4/5 at SpaceX
Starbase, 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.
INSTRUMENTATION CONTROLS TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) – LEVEL 4/5
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches
Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of ground hardware, test, and integration equipment
Fabricate and install parts and systems used in launch environments using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments
Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors
Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
Complete necessary wiring of the electrical ground support equipment for ground systems
Collaborate with launch engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from launch activities
Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify wiring of electronics racks and junction boxes
Perform maintenance tasks as required in a variety of roles for vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities, and any other general maintenance work as required to maintain an operational launch site
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
5+ years of experience designing, installing, or troubleshooting electrical control systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
7+ years of experience using power tools in a professional capacity
2+ years of experience with electronic system assembly and construction
4+ years of experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), thermocouples, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers
Working Knowledge of programmable logic controller (PLC) Hardware, human machine interface (HMI), and/or graphical user interface (GUI)
Intimate knowledge of electronic test equipment – Multimeters, Process Meters, Oscilloscopes
Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm’s law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronics
Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or another related field
Experience working in corrosive environments and mitigation techniques
Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering wires, connectors
System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
Knowledge of signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors to include the following: Thermocouple Types K, S, and E; thermal conductive (TC) bonding concepts: resistance weld-on and adhesive bond-on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold Junction compensation concepts
Experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC converters; uninterruptible power supply (UPS) installations; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and 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. Identify required data, data acquisition plans and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications
Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks; stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions
Intermediate skill level using Windows operating systems
Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
Knowledge of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work schedule varies depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet), including the use of ladders
Must be able to work in confined spaces
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, ice
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Controls Technician/Level 4: $38.00/hour
Controls Technician/Level 5: $43.00 - $57.00/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 & 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.
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 (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.