Critical Lift & Transport Technician (Launch)
Vandenberg · 1+ years experience · Onsite · Posted Oct 15, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 1+ years experience
- Workplace
- Onsite
- Location
- Vandenberg
About the role
- SpaceX is seeking a Critical Lift & Transport Technician (Launch) to join the team in Vandenberg.
- This role involves handling Falcon 9 stages, payloads, Dragon capsules, and associated ground support equipment.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for Falcon 9 stages, Payload, Dragon capsule and associated ground support equipment (GSE) movement across Vandenberg Space Force Base and Long Beach
- Perform preventative maintenance on mobile cranes, cranes, and SPMTs
- Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure transport systems and equipment are maintained with the highest level of quality
- Utilize heavy machinery (forklift, telescopic, overhead crane) to lift and move flight hardware and associated GSE
- Evaluate in-transit risks and provide on-site solutions to alleviate risk including routes, repairs, escorts, and drivers
- Pack up and organize cross-country shipping fixtures and associated hardware for return to the respective shipping site
- Organize, procure, and maintain tools needed to offload and pack up flight hardware
- Perform route surveys prior to scheduled flight hardware moves
- Troubleshoot operational issues found on vehicle pressure systems
- Set up, inspect, operate and perform maintenance on hydraulic self-propelled modular transporters, hydraulic booms and crawler cranes
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 1+ years of professional experience in Critical Lift or Heavy Haul
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Able to lift 35 lbs. unassisted
- Able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet), including the use of ladder
- Willing to operate heavy machinery such as forklifts and overhead cranes
- Able to work in confined spaces
- Able to and available for travel (up to 20% of time), including military and government installations
Preferred qualifications
- 2+ years of experience with SPMTs operations and/or hydraulic lift trailers
- 2+ years of experience in rigging with mobile hydraulic and/or crawler cranes for delicate lifting
- NCCCO/NCCER certifications in crane, rigging, ironworking and heavy equipment operations
- Commercial driver’s license A with hazmat endorsement
- Associate degree in aerospace technology or equivalent area of study
- Experience within aerospace or automotive production
- Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
Benefits
- Company stock or long-term cash awards
- Discretionary bonuses
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- 3 weeks of paid vacation
- 10 or more paid holidays per year
