Instrumentation Technician

SpaceX is seeking an Instrumentation Technician in Brownsville, TX, responsible for reading schematics, repairing ground hardware, and collaborating with engineers for troubleshooting. Candidates should have a high school diploma and 2+ years of relevant experience with instrumentation and electronics. Preferred qualifications include experience at rocket launch facilities and knowledge of various sensors and electronics. The role involves hands-on work in a launch environment.
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.

INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP)

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, datasheets/manuals, drawings, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of ground hardware, test, and integration equipment
• Fabricate and install parts and systems used in launch environments using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments
• Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors
• Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
• Complete necessary wiring of the electrical ground support equipment for ground systems
• Collaborate with launch engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from launch activities
• Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify wiring of electronics racks and junction boxes
• Perform maintenance tasks as required in a variety of roles for vehicle integration, pad maintenance, site preventative maintenance, general facilities, and any other general maintenance work as required to maintain an operational launch site

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience working with at least one of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, oscilloscopes, multimeters (experience from a 2+ year technical college program counts)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• 3+ years of experience using power tools in a professional capacity
• 1+ years of experience with electronic system assembly and construction
• 3+ years of experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), thermocouples, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers
• Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
• Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm’s law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronics
• Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or another related field
• Experience working in corrosive environments and mitigation techniques
• Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering wires, connectors
• System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
• Knowledge of signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors to include the following: Thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld-on and adhesive bond-on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold Junction compensation concepts
• Experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC converters; uninterruptable power supply (UPS) installations; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
• Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application strain gages
• Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures and data communication technologies
• Intermediate skill level using Windows operating systems
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
• Knowledge of data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet), including the use of ladders
• Must be able to work in confined spaces
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, and ice

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*. *