Lead Development Test Technician (Starship Structural Test) - 1st Shift
- Days
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
- FAA A&P certificate
- Driver's license
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 - Help lead a small team in support of testing operations, handing out work assignments based on priorities, enforcing safety & workmanship standards, and ensuring blockers are cleared at the appropriate level - Function as the liaison between employees and management for solving problems or addressing general questions - Assist supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members - Ensure that all team members follow proper procedures - Provide information on specific materials and components required for tooling work orders - Provide technician GSE support, which involves building, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting pneumatic and hydraulic equipment such as valves, plumbing, and components related to the Starship Tower build - Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed - Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches - Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems, and other ancillary equipment, including mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components - Fabricate and repair GSE/testing hardware and equipment - Collaborate with design engineers to develop and document GSE/testing activities - Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications 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 - Drive workspace cleanliness; maintain organization - Perform a variety of related duties in support of integrated system installation and activation ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - 3+ years of industrial experience such as installing pipes and components, bending stainless tubes, or working around high-pressure systems (pneumatic or hydraulic) - 2+ years assembling and configuring large mechanical structures and test stands using forklifts, cranes, and proper rigging techniques ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - Associate degree - A&P license - Experience in the aerospace industry, military, or other high-reliability operating environment - Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry - Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling) - Formalized mechanical training, skilled in hand and power tool usage - Willingness to learn/experience troubleshooting and repairing instrumentation and low-voltage wiring - Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem-solving play a critical role - 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 - Use of precision measuring instruments - 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 ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - General physical fitness is required for some work areas, as flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required - Must be able to work the following shift: - Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 4:30 pm - Valid driver's license and a clean driving record - Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500ft - Able to travel to alternate work sites to support fabrication activities - Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain - Able to work overtime and weekends depending on site operational needs - Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral - Stand: Up to 10 hours per day - Sit: Up to 3 hours per day - Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs.
(unassisted) 1-2 hours per day - Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day - Walk: Up to 10 hours per day - Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs.
(unassisted) 1-2 hours per day - Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 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 for 6 hours or more per day - Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, 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 .
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.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Chipton-RossEngineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense engineering staffing firm with offices in El Segundo, Long Beach and Playa Del Rey, California, Charleston, Pascagoula and Newport News, placing engineers, designers and technicians on contract and direct hire.
Places: Mechanical, Avionics, Systems & Test, Technicians
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New space manufacturing and technician jobs in Texas, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
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).
More space manufacturing and technician jobs
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Avionics & Test$115,200–$144,000/yr
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer II - Avionics & Test$132,000–$176,000/yr
- Manufacturing Engineer$100,000–$130,000/yr
- Manufacturing Engineer (Tanks)$68,000–$80,000/yr
- CNC Lathe Machinist I and II, Prototype Shop$29–$40/hr
- Manufacturing Engineer, Machining & Additive Associate (Winter 2027)$1,925/wk
A certified technician, machinist or welder?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
SpaceX openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from SpaceX's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.