Electronics Technician (Falcon Test)

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.

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN (FALCON TEST)

SpaceX technicians work in a fast-paced environment, supporting a variety of propulsion and structural systems tests. The electronics technician will provide technical expertise in the areas of instrumentation and data acquisition hardware in support of our launch vehicles and spacecraft.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform complex technical assignments involving instrumentation and data acquisition/processing systems

Connect and verify pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors

Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs

Complete necessary instrumentation of test stands, wiring, and data acquisition systems

Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches

Perform layout and wiring of electrical panels

Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems

Perform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments such as ohmmeters and sequential continuity checkers

Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems

Analyze results of calibrations and processed data and assist in the interpretation of test data

Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions

Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments

Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment

Configure the data acquisition hardware

Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components and record effects on unit performance

Collaborate with design engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data

Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certification

2+ years of experience working with at least one of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gages, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, oscilloscopes, multimeters (experience from a 2+ year technical college program counts)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm's law, and an understanding of DC electronics

Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or related field

Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope & multimeter, soldering wires & connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, Ohm’s law, continuity testing, pinning out a military-type connector, routing & tie wrapping cables, drilling & tapping holes, and building junction boxes

System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action

Knowledge of signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, including the following: thermocouple types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld-on and adhesive bond-on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts

Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies; DC-DC convertors; heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, proper strain relief concepts

Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gages are also highly desired

Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (PCI/PCIe, PXI/PXIe, GPIB, Serial, USB, etc.) and data communication technologies

Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating systems

Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Must be available to travel up to 25% of the time

Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 25lbs.) unassisted

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand

Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet)

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Frequently required to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)

Valid driver’s license

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 [email protected].