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Thermal Development Technician (Starship)

Cape Canaveral, FL

Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, HEAT SHIELD (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration's toughest problems by developing and producing 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products
Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
Prepare basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging; check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, and perform vacuum bag 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 of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
1+ year of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

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
Experience with composite tooling materials
Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)
Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Ability to work one of the following shifts:
- Day shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
- Night shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime as necessary, to support business needs
Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Willing to travel to other sites to support critical business needs (up to 10% of the time)
Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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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About SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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