Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

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.THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, HEAT SHIELD (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTSThe Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems by developing and producing 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.ResponsibilitiesProcess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection systemPrepare basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging; check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, and perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven curingDocument processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processingPerform product inspection and rework as requiredRead and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notesAssist in the maintenance and repair of production machineryBasic QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalency certificate1+ year of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operationsPreferred Skills And ExperienceExperience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cureExperience with composite tooling materialsSkilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applicationsComfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and basesExperience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishesGood understanding of basic mathematical conceptsAdditional Requirements Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape CanaveralAbility to work one of the following shifts:Day shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - SaturdayNight shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - SaturdayFlexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime as necessary, to support business needsAbility to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respiratorAbility to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassistedWilling to travel to other sites to support critical business needs (up to 10% of the time)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 positionItar RequirementsTo 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. 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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.