Controls Technician (Starship Launch Pad)

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.

CONTROLS TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches

Adjust, repair or replace faulty components of ground hardware, test, and integration equipment

Fabricate and install parts and systems used in launch environments using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments

Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors

Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs

Complete necessary wiring of the electrical ground support equipment for ground systems

Collaborate with launch engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from launch activities

Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair and modify wiring of electronics racks and junction boxes

Perform maintenance tasks as required in a variety of roles for vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities, and any other general maintenance work as required to maintain an operational launch site

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of experience designing, installing, or troubleshooting electrical control systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: Fluke multimeters, resistance temperature devices (RTDs), thermocouples, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers

Ability to install, cut, thread and bend rigid conduit

Experience using power tools in a professional capacity

Experience with electronic system assembly and construction

Working knowledge of programmable logic controller (PLC) Hardware, human machine interface (HMI), and/or graphical user interface (GUI)

Intimate knowledge of electronic test equipment – Multimeters, Process Meters, Oscilloscopes

Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns

Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm’s law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronics

Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or another related field

Experience working in corrosive environments and mitigation techniques

Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering wires, connectors

System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action

Knowledge of signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors to include the following: Thermocouple Types K, S, and E; thermal conductive (TC) bonding concepts: resistance weld-on and adhesive bond-on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold Junction compensation concepts

Experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC converters; uninterruptible power supply (UPS) installations; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts

Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration and the application strain gages are also highly desired. Identify required data, data acquisition plans and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications

Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies

Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks; stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions

Intermediate skill level using Windows operating systems

Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)

Knowledge of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work extended hours and weekends, as needed

Must be able to work the follow shifts:

1st Shift: Monday – Friday (7:00 AM – 5:30PM)

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 3 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day

Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description

Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.