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Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary

SpaceX · Starbase, TX4w ago

High school-level Manufacturing / Production roles on Crosslinked list a median of $53k (149 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Fabricate ceramic tiles, coatings and thermal gap fillers for Starship heat shields

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on fabrication of the thermal protection system that protects Starship through atmospheric reentry — extreme-environment materials work.

Might not be for you. Temporary 3-month role, 12-hour shifts, heavy physical demands including working at heights up to 500ft and respirator use.

Mostly at the benchHands-on execution First industry roleBS acceptable

Adjacent materials rolePreprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders; fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings; oven curing

H-1B filings

SpaceX filed 7 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Senior Build Engineer, Starlink Engineer, Propulsion Engineer II. Median filed pay: $120K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Technician
Work
On-site
Type
Temporary
Degree
High school
Industry
Aerospace
Role
Manufacturing / Production

Role details

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. THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) - TEMPORARY The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems by developing the heat shields for our next-generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry.

As a technician on the TPS team, you will thrive in a hands-on environment. You will spend time in the office, on the factory floor, and in the lab to execute on the mission to bring the capability of flying astronauts back to the United States.

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 POSITION DETAILS: This is a TEMPORARY position with SpaceX, for the length of time as stated, and is subject to change with minimal notice as business needs dictate.

LENGTH OF POSITION: 3 months (permanent hire conversion based on performance and business need) LOCATION: Starbase, TX BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalency certificate Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 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 Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel) Experience operating and maintaining Kuka or other 6 –axis robots Experience in using Simantic or other HMIs Basic understanding of stud arc welding Basic understanding of robotic automation Experience working with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in an automation setting ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work one of the following shifts: Monday- Friday (6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Monday -Friday (6:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.) Possess a valid Drivers License Sit: Up to 1 hour per day Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs.

(unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day Walk: Up to 6 hours per day Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs.

(unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees Up to 1 hour per day Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review 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 .

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Common questions

Where is the Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary role at SpaceX based?

This role is based in Starbase, TX.

What degree is required for the Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary role at SpaceX?

This role requires a High school.

What polymers or materials does this Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary role work with?

ceramic fibers, ceramic tiles, coatings, sealants, RTV.

What techniques or methods are required for this Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - Temporary role?

hand tools, hand-held power tools.