Development Test Technician (Mechanical)

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p></p> <p><strong>DEVELOPMENT TEST TECHNICIAN (MECHANICAL)</strong></p> <p>Development test technicians get to assemble, troubleshoot, repair, and perform regular maintenance, work on flight and development engines, and support test and build equipment and tooling. Development test technicians support the company by building and maintaining flight-worthy spacecraft engines, components, and associated test equipment, supporting engineering in suggesting and implementing process improvements, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. These technicians support activities in the engine assembly area, as well as enjoy working outside at the rocket development facility, on our development test (RD) stands, supporting test operations first-hand. Development test technicians enjoy witnessing the rumbling of rocket engines throughout the day. We work as a highly integrated team and job responsibilities will include helping other programs to ensure the overall success of SpaceX.</p> <p><strong>RESPONSIBILITIES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Prepare test articles, test stands, and systems for test operations</li> <li>Ensure all test stand-related equipment, systems, and servicing are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner</li> <li>Perform post-test operations and inspections to ensure flight-worthy hardware</li> <li>Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and instrumentation as needed</li> <li>Fabricate, repair, and assemble hardware/equipment needed for test operations</li> <li>Collaborate with engineers to develop and document activities</li> <li>Ensure all components and materials are clean and inspected according to applicable standards</li> <li>Operate and maintain hardware, high-pressure systems and pumps, and other ancillary equipment including pneumatic components</li> <li>Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required</li> <li>Monitor and maintain a reasonable inventory of cryogenic equipment, pneumatic equipment, fittings, hoses, and other supplies necessary to perform test operations</li> <li>Acquire proper inventory parts and equipment needed for repair or replacement of defective components</li> <li>Process work orders and maintenance tickets</li> <li>Perform a variety of related duties in support of acceptance and development testing, as well as testing site-wide, as needed</li> <li>Develop novel ways site-wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of testing operations</li> <li>Participate in rigging and crane operations for test equipment and test articles; including hangar bridge cranes and mobile crane lifts</li> </ul> <p><strong>BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:</strong></p> <ul> <li>High school diploma or equivalency certificate</li> <li>3+ years of experience working with and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid/pneumatic systems, or heavy equipment</li> <li>3+ years of experience using power tools, hand tools, and calibrated tooling</li> </ul> <p><strong>PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (AP) license</li> <li>Experience in airframe structural repair</li> <li>Experience in aviation electronics and avionics</li> <li>Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) certification or training</li> <li>Experience with the testing process and optimization of test processes</li> <li>Experience with hydraulic plumbing repair/fabrication</li> <li>Experience in ground support equipment in the aerospace industry</li> <li>Experience in the space exploration industry, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environment</li> <li>Basic computer skills, including experience usi ... (truncated, view full listing at source)