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Propulsion Technician (Starship) Verified today

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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Propulsion Technician (Starship)

The propulsion systems technician team serves as hardware build and test experts for Booster subassembly propulsion systems. You will build and test propulsion assemblies for maximum reliability in extreme dynamic environments.

As a technician, you will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of build quality and ensuring your work scope is performed correctly. You will partner with engineers on the floor to develop booster propulsion subassemblies production systems. You will understand component functionality to assist in troubleshooting, recognize potential hazards before they occur, and help update work instructions and processes to reduce future issues and increase personnel safety.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality propulsion assemblies
  • Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve component delivery rate in a reliable manner
  • Perform work according to procedures, specifications and work/test instructions, and communicate daily work completion to leadership
  • Execute precision manufacturing tasks: assemble and fit-up subassemblies for fluid systems, including precision alignment, braze joints, fastener torquing, populate avionics connector pin-out with exact wire routing and crimping, conduct proof pressure testing on assemblies, and hi-pot electrical testing for insulation integrity
  • Troubleshoot failure modes and collaborate with design, tooling, quality, and engineering teams to resolve technical issues, recommend improvements to designs/instructions/processes for enhanced reliability and manufacturability, and transition products from design to high-volume production

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/assembly, welding, or testing role, OR completion of a relevant trade school

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience
  • Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation or aerospace hardware
  • High pressure testing knowledge
  • High voltage testing knowledge
  • A&P license
  • Experience operating brazement furnace
  • Experience working with thin-walled tubing
  • Experience working with Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel
  • Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW)
  • Lean manufacturing (5S) knowledge and experience
  • High attention to detail in order to ensure safety and accuracy of testing procedures
  • Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices and mechanical/electrical systems
  • Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; basic computer experience
  • Effective communication (verbal and written) with engineering and production teams at all levels
  • Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team to achieve production goals

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to travel to other sites if needed
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs assisted and stand for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to work first shift (approximately 4:00 AM to 2:30 PM) or second shift (approximately 2:30 PM to 1:00 AM)
  • Must be able to support overtime and weekend work requests

Compensation

Pay range (determined by level, experience, knowledge, skills, and education):

  • Propulsion Technician Level 1: $23.00 to $27.00 per hour
  • Propulsion Technician Level 2: $26.00 to $32.50 per hour
  • Propulsion Technician Level 3: $31.00 to $38.00 per hour

Benefits include long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards; discretionary bonuses; Employee Stock Purchase Plan; comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; 3 weeks of paid vacation; 10 or more paid holidays per year; and various other discounts and perks.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.