Thermal Development Technician, Robotic Welding (Starship)

Starbase, TXfull timeOn Site

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mid

H1B: no

SpaceX Thermal Development Technician on the Starship TPS team fabricates and processes ceramic materials for thermal protection systems. The role involves hands-on manufacturing, inspection, and maintenance to support heat shield development for spacecraft.

Responsibilities

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)
Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
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
Perform product inspection and rework as required
Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding for drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

Qualification

Comfortable working with solventsExperience applying sealants

Required

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools

Preferred

Ability to use precision measuring instruments (calipers, height gauge, depth mic)
Ability to operate personnel platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)
Ability to perform work according to procedures and specifications
Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications
Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases
Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)
Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes