Paint Technician (Falcon)
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting states $45.8k–$51k a year. Open technician jobs in California post a median of $73.5k a year, the middle half $58.1k–$87.6k, across 244 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below 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.
PAINT TECHNICIAN
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform mixing, stripping, painting, and detailing of advanced paint systems on launch vehicles.
- Prepare metallic substrates using mechanical abrasion and chemical etchants.
- Mix and apply of sealants and adhesives for structural components.
- Conduct periodic maintenance on various paint spraying equipment (such as gravity-fed, pressure pot, and airless-type).
- Accurately use precision measuring tools such as calipers, elcometers, or ohmmeters.
- Assist with area projects to improve safety, quality, and delivery.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- Experience spraying advanced paint systems (epoxies, urethanes, solvent-based paints, and acrylics).
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- 3+ years of industry experience in advanced paint systems.
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment in the aerospace or aviation industry.
- Ability to interpret electronic work instructions, process specifications, and technical drawings.
- Ability to perform basic shop math (such as geometry and trigonometry).
- Ability to manage accurate mix ratios, cure schedules, and overcoat windows.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- This is a hands-on position that may require standing for extended period and working directly with hardware on the floor.
- Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted.
- Must be comfortable stooping, bending, standing, climbing ladders, or working in tight spaces.
- Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.
- Expected Shift:
- Monday - Friday, rotating Saturdays 3:00PM - 1:30AM
- Able to pass Pulmonary Function Test to obtain respirator certification.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $22.00 - $24.50
Level 2: $24.50 - $29.00
Level 3: $28.50 - $35.00
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 14 Nov 2026. Requirements, and whether the role is still open, are settled on the employer's own page.
Selected agencies hiring now
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
Zobility (RGBSI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
RGBSI's staffing and workforce division, renamed Zobility (Troy, Michigan), placing engineers, technicians, IT staff and procurement and supply chain people with aerospace, defense and automotive employers.
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. You pay nothing for it, and the fee never comes out of your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Before you apply, free help with this posting: test your resume against it, draft answers to its questions or browse all our free tools.
New space manufacturing and technician jobs in California, by email
A weekly email with the newest of them, pulled from the companies' own career sites, with the pay each one lists. Free; unsubscribe in one click.
About SpaceX
Designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.
Pay on its listings: 50.4% of its open jobs state their pay
How it pays: Paid as an employee on SpaceX's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
More open jobs at SpaceX
- Sr. Materials Engineer, Polymer Development$135,000–$215,000/yr
- Lead Electrical Engineer, Hardware Reliability (Starshield)$165,000–$230,000/yr
- Sourcing Specialist (Starship)
- Sourcing Specialist (Raptor)$85,000–$110,000/yr
- Sourcing Specialist, Mechanical (Starship)$85,000–$110,000/yr
- Automation Engineer (Starlink Customer Experience)$100,000–$135,000/yr
More space manufacturing and technician jobs
- Welding Engineer (All Levels)$115,000–$205,000/yr
- Produktionsmitarbeiter mit Erfahrung in der Schneiderei (all genders)
- Manufacturing Engineer$114,200–$142,700/yr
- Fluids Technician III - B Shift$25–$35/hr
- Machinist IV$34.37–$42.12/hr
- Production Test Technician I, 2nd Shift
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's free, and one click in any email stops it.