Structures Technician (Starship)
SpaceX · Not provided by source
MeritLog read this listing from SpaceX's Greenhouse job board and last checked it on September 10, 2026.
Source: the employer's Greenhouse job board. Open the original listing for current details.
Job details
- Work model
- Not provided by source
- Salary
- Conflicting source ranges
- Location
- Hawthorne, CA
Hiring context
How this role compares at SpaceX
SpaceX has 2,373 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 11 job families, and 143 of them are in design. 197 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 8%.
SpaceX concentrates this hiring in:
Counted across the job boards MeritLog tracks, at the time this page was served. Pay comparisons use only listings that publish a complete range in the same currency and period.
What the role asks for
What you'd do
- Modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket and spacecraft components and subcomponents
- Align parts and secure in place using clecos or tooling/hand clamps
- Operate and utilize sheet metal manufacturing equipment such as CNCs, brake presses, and rollers
- Operate and utilize advanced manufacturing equipment such as robots, welders, and manufacturing software.
- Perform routine maintenance procedures for up keep on tooling and equipment as required
- Install mechanical fasteners in correct sequence per drawing, using correct tools (e.g., rivet gun and bucking bar, drill motor, power screwdriver, C-squeeze, ratchet wrench, nut runner)
- Facilitate and perform component and assemblies testing operations on rocket and spacecraft structures, components and subcomponents (Pressurized testing, cycle testing, fatigue testing, etc.)
- Shim and/or trim parts as required
- Select drill bits, reamers and/or countersinking tools for pilot and full-size holes
- Locate, drill pilot holes using drill motor and proper size drill bit(s)
- Drill, ream, countersink full size holes in parts/assemblies, in proper sequence and to correct size using drill motor
- Disassemble parts and deburr holes using chip chasers, deburring tools, and files to prepare for installation of fasteners
- Use solvents to clean surfaces prior to sealing or assembly
- Apply sealant, Alodine, primer, adhesives, special finishes
- Load, lift and unload parts with use of cranes, forklifts, and custom tools
- Determine and obtain correct type and size fasteners
- Cold work holes to prepare for close tolerance fastener installation
- Install bushings into housings using arbor press and/or hydraulic puller
- Apply liquid nitrogen to facilitate installation of bushings
- Check work after completion of each operation in job and/or completed job to ensure it is complete per drawing
What they're asking for
- High school diploma or equivalency certificateEducation
- 1+ years of experience in hardware assembly, test, maintenance, material handling, and/or installation; OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program in A&P, manufacturing, and/or electronicsCredential
- Experience drilling, reaming, honing and/or countersinking straight and close tolerance holesSkillPreferred
- Experience gained through the military or within an aviation manufacturing companySkillPreferred
- Experience using various types of hand tools and/or hand-held power tools, floor-mounted power tools and precision measuring toolsSkillPreferred
- Capable of visualizing a three-dimensional shape from a two-dimensional view and understanding symbols, flag notes, and general notesSkillPreferred
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals and fractions)SkillPreferred
- Experience making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensionsSkillPreferred
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specificationsSkillPreferred
- Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed. 1st shift: (4:00 AM - 2:30 PM).SkillPreferred
Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.
Job description
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. STRUCTURES TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) RESPONSIBILITIES: • Modify, repair, assemble, and install rocket and spacecraft components and subcomponents • Align parts and secure in place using clecos or tooling/hand clamps • Operate and utilize sheet metal manufacturing equipment such as CNCs, brake presses, and rollers • Operate and utilize advanced manufacturing equipment such as robots, welders, and manufacturing software. • Perform routine maintenance procedures for up keep on tooling and equipment as required • Install mechanical fasteners in correct sequence per drawing, using correct tools (e.g., rivet gun and bucking bar, drill motor, power screwdriver, C-squeeze, ratchet wrench, nut runner) • Facilitate and perform component and assemblies testing operations on rocket and spacecraft structures, components and subcomponents (Pressurized testing, cycle testing, fatigue testing, etc.) • Shim and/or trim parts as required • Select drill bits, reamers and/or countersinking tools for pilot and full-size holes • Locate, drill pilot holes using drill motor and proper size drill bit(s) • Drill, ream, countersink full size holes in parts/assemblies, in proper sequence and to correct size using drill motor • Disassemble parts and deburr holes using chip chasers, deburring tools, and files to prepare for installation of fasteners • Use solvents to clean surfaces prior to sealing or assembly • Apply sealant, Alodine, primer, adhesives, special finishes • Load, lift and unload parts with use of cranes, forklifts, and custom tools • Determine and obtain correct type and size fasteners • Cold work holes to prepare for close tolerance fastener installation • Install bushings into housings using arbor press and/or hydraulic puller • Apply liquid nitrogen to facilitate installation of bushings • Check work after completion of each operation in job and/or completed job to ensure it is complete per drawing BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • High school diploma or equivalency certificate • 1+ years of experience in hardware assembly, test, maintenance, material handling, and/or installation; OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program in A&P, manufacturing, and/or electronics PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • Experience drilling, reaming, honing and/or countersinking straight and close tolerance holes • Experience gained through the military or within an aviation manufacturing company • Experience using various types of hand tools and/or hand-held power tools, floor-mounted power tools and precision measuring tools • Capable of visualizing a three-dimensional shape from a two-dimensional view and understanding symbols, flag notes, and general notes • Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals and fractions) • Experience making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions • Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed. 1st shift: (4:00 AM - 2:30 PM). • Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min • Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Structures Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour Structures Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour Structures Technician/Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour 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, stock options, 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.