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Quality Inspector (Valves) – 2nd Shift

Hawthorne, CA
Full Time On-site

Our quality inspectors are responsible for being the last line of defense in assuring mission success. You will perform in-process and end-of-line inspections to verify that all key performance and design characteristics are met or exceeded during flight hardware manufacturing. You will be working hands on with the most cutting edge rocket technology currently available and will be part of history. This position will be supporting the Quality Inspection team at the SpaceX valve factory, which is responsible for the most critical components of our Dragon and Falcon programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide detailed in-process inspections on flight hardware, using detailed drawing, CAD models, and established processes to verify conformance to design requirements
  • Document production and test anomalies in accordance with prescribed procedures and processes
  • Communicate and help resolve quality related issues as they relate to the site and other SpaceX locations
  • Process non-conforming product and assist engineering in root cause analysis and corrective action
  • Routinely observe technical operations and offer guidance and/or serve as an additional technical resource
  • Evaluate manufacturing compliance to NASA and customer, as well as internal, specifications to meet launch and mission requirements
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
  • Support quality management system policies and procedure documentation, assess compliance to company and industry standards, initiate and lead continual improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 2+ years of inspection experience in an aerospace, military or manufacturing environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with aerospace standards
  • Experience using calibrated inspection tools
  • Experience with assembling and testing manufactured hardware
  • Experience with quality assurance principles, methods, and processes
  • Intermediate level skill with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
  • Intermediate level skill with Windows operating systems
  • Practical experience working within quality management systems (AS9100 and ISO 9001)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work 2nd shift schedule:
    • Monday to Friday: 3:00PM - 2:00AM
  • Must be willing to work overtime, and/or weekends as needed
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be willing to travel up to 10%
  • Must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces
  • Must be willing to work in a cleanroom environment, which requires PPE, such as: bunny suit, hair net, beard net, etc.            

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Quality Inspector/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour
Quality Inspector/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour
Quality Inspector/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

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.

About SpaceX

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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