Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary
The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team at SpaceX 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.
This role is a part of our mission to bring the capability of flying astronauts back to the United States, and you will thrive in a hands-on environment with time spent in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab.
Responsibilities:
* Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products. The ideal candidate will 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 fabrication, surface preparation for 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 of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes.
* Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery.
Position Details:
* This is a temporary position with SpaceX for 3 months with the possibility of conversion to a permanent hire based on performance and business need.
* Location: Starbase, TX
Basic Qualifications:
* High school diploma or equivalency certificate
* Experience with composite tooling materials
* Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools
Preferred Skills and Experience:
* Ability to use precision measuring instruments such as calipers, height gauge, depth mic.
* Ability to operate personnel platforms like boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.
* Ability to perform work according to procedures and specifications.
* Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure.
* Proficient/experienced in accurately measuring and mixing using scales 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 Microsoft Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel).
* Experience operating and maintaining Kuka or other 6-axis robots.
* Experience in using Simantic or other HMIs.
* Basic understanding of stud arc welding.
* Basic understanding of robotic automation.
* Experience working with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in an automation setting.
Additional Requirements:
* Ability to work one of the following shifts:
o Monday- Friday (6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
o Monday -Friday (6:00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.)
* Ability to work at elevated heights (10' to 185'+).
* Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain, wind).
* Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator.
* Willingness to travel.
* Willingness to work overtime when necessary.
* Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
* 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 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.