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Critical Lift Technician (Starship)

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for Booster/Ship and associated ground support equipment (GSE) movement across multiple launch sites
  • Perform preventative maintenance on mobile cranes, cranes, and SPMTs
  • Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure systems and equipment are maintained with the highest level of quality to support current and future manifest
  • Utilize heavy machinery (standard and high capacity forklifts, telehandlers, mobile hydraulic/crawler cranes, SPMTs, high reach man lifts, overhead cranes) to lift and move flight hardware and associated GSE after delivery and before shipping
  • Evaluate in-transit risks and provide on-site solutions to alleviate risk. Including routing, repairs, escorts, and drivers - including physical escorts across launch sites
  • Make recommendations to logistics management to improve the health, timing, and safety of all movements
  • Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure systems and mechanical equipment are built with the highest level of quality to support the successful launch of our multi-million dollar launch vehicle
  • Troubleshoot operational issues found on the vehicle press system
  • Maintain and install fluid system components from a schematic or drawing including ball and check valves, pressure regulators and gauges, etc.
  • Set up, inspect, operate, and perform maintenance on hydraulic self-propelled modular transporters, hydraulic booms and crawler cranes
  • Perform tear down and assembly of different configurations associated with Cranes and SPMTs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of experience on a critical lift team or a logistics/transport team

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 2+ years of experience with SPMT operators and/or hydraulic lift trailers
  • 2+ years of with mobile hydraulic and/or crawler cranes for delicate lifting operations (ex. Wind farms, power plants, oil refineries) and 2+ years of experience in rigging
  • NCCCO/NCCER certifications in crane, rigging, ironworking, and heavy equipment operations (ex. TLL, TSS, LAT, OVR, RIG-I/II, SGP)
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering work instructions/drawings and verify that the given load, securing method, transport, and loading/unloading processes are carried out successfully and in accordance with transport or lift plan
  • Experience with organization and ability to multi-task, detail-oriented while also working within time constraints and deadlines
  • Associate degree in aerospace technology or equivalent area of study
  • Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems
  • Familiarity with calibrated measurement devices including load cells, multimeters, calipers, torque wrenches, depth gauges, and micrometers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends, which varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required (day shift: 6 AM - 6 PM and night shift: 6 PM - 6 AM)
  • Ability to pass Airforce background check for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
  • Able to tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, and/or around obstacles using multi-point rigging techniques
  • Flexibility to travel 25-50% of the time
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours per day
  • Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours 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 3 hours per day
  • Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, 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. 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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