
Machine Maintenance Technician, Electrical (Falcon Recovery)
SpaceX · Long Beach, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $44,000 / year
- Long Beach, CA
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Subject: Interested in the Machine Maintenance Technician, Electrical (Falcon Recovery) role at SpaceX
Hi Dana — I came across the Machine Maintenance Technician, Electrical (Falcon Recovery) opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and SpaceX stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Maintain critical marine equipment for SpaceX launches.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
- Work offshore and dockside with engineers and technicians.
- Requires high school diploma and 2+ years experience.
- Opportunity for stock options and comprehensive benefits.
About the role
Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical (Falcon Recovery)
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.
About the Role
The Machine Maintenance Technician will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and fixing critical marine equipment on a daily basis to enable west coast SpaceX launches. This role will require you to work directly with engineers and technicians who design and interact with this machinery both dockside and offshore in the Pacific Ocean.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair land and marine vessel generators.
- Provide maintenance on various equipment: generators, ATSs, pumps, motors, switchgears, and other industrial machinery.
- Troubleshoot, repair, adjust, inspect, and overhaul mechanical systems like pumps, chillers, gearboxes, etc., including control devices such as PLCs, HMIs down to the component level.
- Read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and technical manuals.
- Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
Basic Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- 2+ years of experience with repairing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic systems OR a certificate from an accredited trade skills program.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 5+ years of experience with repairing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems in the field or marine environment.
- Extreme troubleshooting and problem-solving skill sets – can work independently to drive solutions.
- Understanding of generator sets (CAT, Mitsubishi, Cummings) and generator controllers (DeepSea, Woodward).
- Understanding of diesel mechanics as well as of forms of internal combustion engines.
- Millwright skills and abilities and industrial multi-craft and mechanical trades.
- Possess skills and abilities to perform the requirements of an automotive, semiconductor, shipboard or airframe electrician's trade with little supervision or guidance.
- Can perform all duties required to layout, fabricate, and install electrical wiring, coaxial cable, waveguides or fiber optic cable onboard vessels, including troubleshoot/ testing fiber and copper cables and circuits.
- Ability to use all tools of their trade such as multi-meters, pin crimper's, soldering and expected to accomplish the more complex tasks associated with electrical installation of cable, military circular connectors, panel box and power terminations, etc.
- Experience with hand/power tools, forklifts, and other heavy equipment.
- Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies and industry standards.
- Ability to write detailed repair reports (advanced MS Office skills).
Additional Requirements
- Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as needed.
- Valid California state driver’s license.
- Ability to stand up for up to 8 hours during the day.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
- Ability to work directly with the hardware on the vessels while being comfortable stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, climbing and standing (including on lifts and ladders).
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay Range:
- Level 1: $26 - $32
- Level 2: $30 - $38
- Level 3: $35 - $44
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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
Key skills/competency
- Machine Maintenance
- Electrical Systems
- Troubleshooting
- Marine Equipment
- Generators
- PLCs
- Hydraulic Systems
- Pneumatic Systems
- Schematics Interpretation
- Mechanical Repair
Skills & topics
- Machine Maintenance
- Electrical Technician
- Marine Equipment
- Troubleshooting
- Generators
- PLCs
- Hydraulic Systems
- Pneumatic Systems
- SpaceX Careers
- Technician Jobs
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system repair experience, especially in marine environments. Emphasize PLC and HMI troubleshooting skills.
- Showcase problem-solving: Quantify your troubleshooting achievements and demonstrate your ability to work independently.
- Prepare for technical questions: Review generator systems (CAT, Mitsubishi, Cummings) and controllers (DeepSea, Woodward), diesel mechanics, and schematic interpretation.
- Highlight relevant experience: Mention any experience with automotive, semiconductor, shipboard, or airframe electrical work.
- Address physical requirements: Be ready to discuss your ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including working offshore.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical career progression for a Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical at SpaceX?
- While specific career paths can vary, a Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical at SpaceX often progresses by gaining deeper expertise in specialized systems, moving into lead technician roles, or transitioning into engineering support positions. Demonstrating strong problem-solving skills, a willingness to take on complex challenges, and a commitment to continuous learning can open doors to advancement opportunities within the company.
- What kind of technical challenges can I expect as a Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical at SpaceX?
- As a Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical at SpaceX, you can expect to tackle complex challenges related to maintaining and repairing critical marine equipment. This includes troubleshooting intricate electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, diagnosing issues with generators and their controllers, and interpreting detailed schematics to ensure operational efficiency for west coast launches. You'll often work under pressure to resolve issues both dockside and offshore.
- Does SpaceX offer training for specialized equipment like generators and PLCs for this role?
- SpaceX values continuous learning and provides opportunities for professional development. While the role requires a foundational understanding of equipment like generators (CAT, Mitsubishi, Cummings) and controllers (DeepSea, Woodward), as well as PLCs, the company encourages and may provide training to enhance your skills in these areas through on-the-job experience and potentially external resources, especially for preferred candidates with existing experience.
- What are the physical demands of the Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical role at SpaceX, especially regarding offshore work?
- The Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical role involves significant physical activity. You must be able to stand for up to 8 hours, lift up to 25 lbs unassisted, and be comfortable stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, climbing, and standing, including on lifts and ladders. Offshore work means you'll be expected to perform these tasks in a dynamic marine environment.
- How important is experience with schematics and technical manuals for this SpaceX position?
- Reading and interpreting electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and technical manuals is a core responsibility for the Machine Maintenance Technician Electrical at SpaceX. A strong ability to understand these documents is crucial for accurate troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of complex machinery, ensuring the reliability of equipment supporting SpaceX launches.
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