Instrumentation Technician

S

spacex

Instrumentation Technician

Hawthorne, CA
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    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.

    INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN

    Join our Development Test group and support the development of our Dragon spacecraft and Falcon launch vehicles. Development Test Operations is a fast paced R&D focused group that supports testing of the latest vehicle and spacecraft designs. Instrumentation Technicians work closely with Test Specialists and the engineering department to support test operations on development test stands and automated test fixtures. Instrumentation techs are responsible for building test harnesses, troubleshooting and repairing test stand instruments, and modifying a wide variety of instrumentation, data acquisition, and testing hardware.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Independently fabricate instrumentation and wire harnesses for ground support electro-mechanical test equipment and spaceflight harnesses that connect to test articles.
    • Design, lay-out, and build custom DAQ (data acquisition) systems from scratch.
    • Install and use test instrumentation sensors, including strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry.
    • Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems.
    • Work with engineers to develop schematics and P&ID (piping and instrumentation drawings).

    BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

    • High school diploma/GED and 3 years of experience working in a hands-on position OR Associate’s degree in instrumentation, control technology, or electrical systems.
    • 1 year of experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices (multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.)

    PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

    • Experience working in a fast-paced work environment.
    • Experience with fabricating and repairing cable harnesses.
    • Experience with multi-meters, oscilloscopes, soldering wires, crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing cables, and building junction boxes.
    • Experience with automated machinery electronics including: PLCs (programmable logic controllers), power supplies, signal conditioners, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts.
    • Ability to install and use test instrumentation sensors, including: strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry.
    • Ability to troubleshoot systems and determine root causes and implement fixes.
    • Ability to read electro-mechanical schematics to accomplish checkouts.
    • Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
    • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment.
    • Ability to solve problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules.
    • Ability to take project goals inputs and works towards that end-goal beyond individual task assignment.

    ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

    • Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts).
    • Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs unassisted.
    • Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed.
    • Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends.
    • Willing to travel for short trips as needed, up to 5% travel.

    ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

    • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.