Fabrication Technician (Falcon Operations West) - 1st Shift
- Days
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
- FAA A&P certificate
- Driver's license
How this pay compares
This posting states $47.8k–$86.8k a year. Open technician jobs in California post a median of $73.9k a year, the middle half $61.6k–$83.2k, across 24 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
About the job
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 - Build and test precision clean, high pressure gaseous and liquid propellant systems to support launch - Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed - Fabricate, repair, and operate ground support hardware, test stands, and equipment - Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document process improvements - Ensure all materials are clean and inspected according to Clean for Oxygen Service Standards - Obtain and maintain operator permits and personnel qualifications as required - Follow all necessary regulations and appropriate SpaceX procedures including quality policies, safety policies, OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, NFPA, ASME, NEC, etc. - Develop novel ways site wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations - Safely perform all above activities on flight hardware in a high-rate production environment ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - 1+ years of industrial experience installing pipe and components, bending stainless tubes, and/or working around high pressure systems ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - A&P license - Associate degree - Experience in the aerospace industry, military or other high-reliability operating environment - Experience in ground support equipment in an aerospace industry - Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling) - Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage - Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role - Knowledge of high vacuum systems - Knowledge of all types of borescope inspection equipment - Knowledge of different fittings such as NPT and A/N - Ability to utilize power tools and hand tools as well as heavy equipment - Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics - Knowledge of hazardous systems – cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric - Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling - Experience using precision measuring instruments - Experience using precision cleaning instruments ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be able to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral - Must be able to work the following shift, overtime, and weekends as needed 1st shift: Monday - Friday 5:00am - 3:30pm - Must have a valid driver’s license - Must be able to lift heavy objects up to 35 lbs. unassisted - Must be bale to work at elevated heights up to 200 feet - General physical fitness is required for some work areas, flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required ## Pay Range Level 1: $23.00 - $29.75 Level 2: $28.50 - $35.75 Level 3: $34.00 - $41.75 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 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.
Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. ## 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 .
From SpaceX's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About SpaceX
Designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.
Pay on its listings: 53.2% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on SpaceX's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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