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Thermal Development Technician (Starship) Verified today

SpaceX · Starbase, TX · Mechanical · first seen 2026-09-03
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Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team develops the heat shields for SpaceX's next generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive extreme environments and protect vehicles through atmospheric entry. As a technician on the TPS team, you will work hands-on in the office, factory floor, and lab to execute the mission of bringing crewed spaceflight capability back to the United States.

Responsibilities

  • Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders for thermal protection components
  • Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other TPS components
  • Perform basic fabrication, surface preparation, bonding, and oven curing
  • Document processes precisely to replicate each material processing step
  • Perform product inspection and rework as required
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, including symbols, flag notes, and general notes
  • Assist in maintenance and repair of production machinery

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • Experience with various hand tools or hand-held power tools

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Precision measuring instruments (calipers, height gauge, depth mic)
  • Operating personnel platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts)
  • Setting up assemblies in ovens, kilns, and high-temperature processing equipment
  • Measuring and mixing using scales for tile coatings, sealants, and RTV applications
  • Working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases
  • Thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA) experience
  • Applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes
  • Basic mathematical concepts
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
  • Operating and maintaining Kuka or other 6-axis robots
  • Simatic or other HMI systems
  • Basic stud arc welding
  • Robotic automation and Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in automation settings

Physical Requirements and Shift

  • Ability to work one of the following shifts: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or Monday-Friday 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
  • Valid driver license required
  • Stand up to 10 hours per day
  • Overhead reach up to 6 hours per day
  • Walk up to 6 hours per day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs) up to 6 hours per day
  • Kneel/crouch up to 6 hours per day
  • Upper body twist up to 6 hours per day
  • Lift/carry up to 25 lbs (unassisted) for 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
  • Push/pull up to 50 lbs (unassisted) for 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
  • Work in temperatures over 80 degrees up to 1 hour per day
  • Capable of safely working at heights up to 500 ft and using an air purifying respirator
  • Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm capabilities

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. 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.