CNC Machinist (Raptor) - Level 4/5
This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee.
About the role
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operate CNC machines and produce flight hardware needed to achieve program level production rate goals
- Deburr hardware in the assigned work center to contribute to deliveries to downstream customers
- Chase machine cut threads to size
- Inspect surface finishes, threads, and broken edges
- Borescope parts to check for internal defects and debris
- Operate clean line equipment, laser part marking, and general part finishing according to requirements
- Operate and effectively use calibrated devices to ensure hardware exiting the machine shop is conforming and meets print requirements
- Perform CNC machine preventative maintenance on a weekly and monthly basis
- Maintain the shop in terms of chip bins, oils, greases, 5S and general upkeep activities
- Complete work instructions and test plans to document needed data throughout each process
- Perform precision set-ups of various CNC machines on state-of-the-art assets
- Prioritize daily work to ensure high machine uptime across the assigned shop / area
- Manage cutting tools in CNC machines to ensure that machines have the needed cutting tools loaded and measured before they are called in upcoming programs
- Remain flexible in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and support teammates however possible
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 8+ years of experience in manufacturing
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing
- Motivation to learn technical aspects of CNC machining
- Ability to read accurately and write clearly, perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately
- Perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately
- Experience in shop math, tooling technology, blueprint reading and measurement of parts
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Strong interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, contributing to a team-oriented environment, balancing team and individual responsibilities
- Physical Requirements: repetitive movement, bending or twisting, using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls, exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Available for overtime and weekend hours
- Must be available for 1st shift (5:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
- Capable of lifting up to 50lbs without accommodation
- Capable of standing and kneeling without accommodation
- Must be able to do repetitive movement; bend or twist; use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls; exposure to sounds and distractive noise levels
Pay range
Level 4: $36.00 - $43.00/hour Level 5: $41.00 - $51.00/hour
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
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 .
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 .
Copied from the listing SpaceX published, verified 30 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 8 questions.
- 1.What shift(s) are you willing to work?Pick any: 1st Shift · 2nd Shift · 3rd Shift · Weekend Day · Weekend Night · All Shifts
- 2.Please specifyShort answer · optional
- 3.Active Security Clearance(s)Pick any (8 options)
- 4.SpaceX & SpaceXAI Employment HistoryPick one
- 5.Can you perform all of the essential functions of this role with or without reasonable accommodations?Yes or no
- 6.Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?Pick one
- 7.Citizenship StatusPick one
- 8.If (f) Other, please explain:Short answer · optional
Taken from the application form SpaceX runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.
About SpaceX
Designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.
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