Thermal Development Technician (Robotic Welding)

Job Highlights

Company Profile

SpaceX designs and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft to transform space travel. Its ultimate goal is to enable human life on Mars and make life multiplanetary.

Job Profile

The company is searching for a Thermal Development Technician (Robotic Welding) who will thrive in a hands-on environment and spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the mission to bring the capability of flying astronauts back to the United States.

Education Level

• High School Diploma or equivalency certificate

Work Experience

• Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes
• Experience in using Simantic or other HMIs
• Experience operating and maintaining Kuka or other 6–axis robots
• Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment, such as ovens and high-temperature kilns, to obtain the desired set and cure
• Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)
• Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools
• Experience working with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in an automation setting
• Proficient/experienced in accurately measuring and mixing using scales for the process of tile coatings, sealants, and RTV applications

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery
• Basic fabrication, surface preparation for processing, bonding, and oven curing
• Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing
• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
• Perform product inspection and rework as required
• Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products (candidate must be comfortable working with these types of ceramic materials)
• Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Ability to operate personnel platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)
• Ability to perform work according to procedures and specifications
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments (calipers, height gauge, depth mic)
• Basic understanding of robotic automation
• Basic understanding of stud arc welding
• Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids, and bases
• Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts

Work Environment

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
• Ability to work at elevated heights (10’ to 185’+)
• Standing for long periods, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain, wind)
• Willing to travel
• Willing to work overtime when necessary

Employer’s Statement

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.