Apprentice Controls Technician at SpaceX

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.

APPRENTICE CONTROLS TECHNICIAN

The apprentice controls technician will support the build-up and maintenance of our data and control systems. These systems consist of varying data acquisition and control hardware, wiring and interface harnesses, and a wide variety of instrumentation. The goal of this team is to meet a variety of test requirements to achieve safe, economical, and reliable access to space.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems
Perform wire terminations to a variety of instruments and verify sensor health: pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, limits, and flow meters
Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components, and record effects on unit performance
Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate's degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems or related field
Experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes (experience from college program counts)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters (turbine, coriolis, and ultrasonic)
IPC 620 spec for harness assembly
Basic knowledge of Wheatstone Bridge Theory, ability to apply Ohm's Law, and an understanding of DC electronics
Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope and multi-meter, soldering wires and connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxes
System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
Experience with Variable Frequency Drives and motor starters, and knowledge in troubleshooting
Knowledge in 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
Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies, DC-DC convertors, UPS installations, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gauges are also highly desired. Ability to identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications
Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies
Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks, stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions
Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating Systems
Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
Knowledge in data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (SCXI and PXI-based)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Role may require extended hours, weekend work and shift schedules, that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
Ability to lift heavy objects is required in this position, up to 50 pounds unassisted
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
Ability to work at elevated heights
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary – up to 10%
Valid driver’s license

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.