PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (RAPTOR TEST OPERATIONS)

Propulsion Technicians get to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance and work on flight and development engines, as well as support test and build equipment and tooling. Propulsion Technicians support the company by building and maintaining flight worthy rocket engines and associated test equipment, supporting engineering in suggesting and implementing process improvements, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. These technicians support activities in the engine shop and/or engine assembly area, as well as enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our robust test stands, supporting test operations first-hand. Propulsion Technicians enjoy witnessing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day. We work as a highly integrated team, and job responsibilities will include helping other programs to ensure the overall success of SpaceX.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform staging, set up, assembly, tests, and installation of hardware for flight, qualification, and development engines.
• Read and interpret work instructions and drawings
• Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations
• Ensure all build, integration, and test stand related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
• Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment/tooling/shop aids needed for build, integration, and test operations
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities and processes
• Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards
• Operate and maintains hardware, high pressure systems, pumps, pneumatic systems, avionics, and other ancillary equipment
• Obtain and maintains licenses, operator permits or certifications as required
• Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components
• Process work orders and maintenance tickets
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of engine build, integration, and test operations
• Develop novel ways site wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations
• Travel across sites to support engine operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
• 1`+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A&P license
• Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
• Experience with testing process and optimization of test processes
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
• Experience in ground support equipment in aerospace industry
• Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military or other high-reliability operating environment
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation
• Experience with crane and lift operations
• Knowledge of vacuum systems
• Knowledge of avionics systems
• Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok
• A demonstrated ability in reading/understanding technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
• Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees and customers
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work 1st shift hours: M-F 06:00-16:30
• Valid driver’s license
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
• Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
• Must be able to work in outdoor environments exposed to heat, cold, and rain
• Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Must be available to work overtime, all shifts, and weekends as needed based on business needs - flexibility required

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN, RAPTOR TEST OPERATIONS - 2ND SHIFT

Propulsion Technicians get to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance and work on flight and development engines, as well as support test and build equipment and tooling. Propulsion Technicians support the company by building and maintaining flight worthy rocket engines and associated test equipment, supporting engineering in suggesting and implementing process improvements, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. These technicians support activities in the engine shop and/or engine assembly area, as well as enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our robust test stands, supporting test operations first-hand. Propulsion Technicians enjoy witnessing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day. We work as a highly integrated team, and job responsibilities will include helping other programs to ensure the overall success of SpaceX.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform staging, set up, assembly, tests, and installation of hardware for flight, qualification, and development engines
• Read and interpret work instructions and drawings
• Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations
• Ensure all build, integration, and test stand related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed
• Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment/tooling/shop aids needed for build, integration, and test operations
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities and processes
• Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards
• Operate and maintains hardware, high pressure systems, pumps, pneumatic systems, avionics, and other ancillary equipment
• Obtain and maintains licenses, operator permits or certifications as required
• Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components
• Process work orders and maintenance tickets
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of engine build, integration, and test operations
• Develop novel ways site wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations
• Travel across sites to support engine operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical systems, high pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment
• 3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A&P license
• Experience in aviation electronics and avionics
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training
• Experience with testing process and optimization of test processes
• Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication
• Experience in ground support equipment in aerospace industry
• Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military or other high-reliability operating environment
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation
• Experience with crane and lift operations
• Knowledge of vacuum systems
• Knowledge of avionics systems
• Knowledge of all types of bore scope inspection equipment
• Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT, MS, and A/N and Swagelok
• A demonstrated ability in reading/understanding technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read, and understand operating system schematics and drawings
• Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees and customers
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work 2nd shift hours: M-F 14:00-00:30
• Valid driver’s license
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to perform job functions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
• Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
• Must be able to work in outdoor environments exposed to heat, cold, and rain
• Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Must be available to work overtime, all shifts, and weekends as needed based on business needs - flexibility required

PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR TEST)

The propulsion engineer is responsible for ensuring Raptor engines and components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique development tests for Raptor engine testing on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a constant variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Raptor Test Engineers have the opportunity to work on one of the world’s most complex engines to date, a full flow staged combustion engine! Join the team and our journey to Mars and we solve new challenges presented by unknown frontiers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission.
• Repeated ownership of test campaigns; including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication.
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments based.
• Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including high pressure nitrogen and methane systems & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure.
• Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
• Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
• Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety.
• Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
• Operate test console and direct a team of technicians to execute test processes.
• Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
• Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware.
• Act as a conduit for completing the resource management process, including: planning, parts, coordination, skilled labor coordination, process verification, etc.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on testing experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualifies)

 PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience
• Experience in production and test systems
• Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
• Mechanical aptitude and experience
• Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role
• Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
• Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves
• Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
• Knowledge of hazardous systems- cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
• Knowledge of high pressure system design and handling
• Experience using test instrumentation and control components
• Windows Operating Systems, Intermediate skill level
• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote), Intermediate skill level
• CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred) and Teamcenter, Novice skill level
• Programming Languages (Python, C/C++, SQL), Novice-Intermediate skill level

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors and noise
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required