Propulsion Technician (Starship) - Level 4/5
Hawthorne · 5+ years experience · Posted Oct 7, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 5+ years experience
- Location
- Hawthorne
About the role
- The Propulsion Technician (Starship) - Level 4/5 serves as a hardware build and test expert for propulsion system components integrated into Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. This role involves laser welding, mechanical assembly, and pressure testing in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Technicians work directly with engineers to troubleshoot issues, improve reliability, and maintain high build quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality components for Starship and Super Heavy using automated laser welding machines.
- Perform mechanical assembly and pressure testing processes.
- Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve component delivery rates.
- Maintain a safe, professional, and neat work area.
- Recommend changes to tooling, equipment, training, and processes to eliminate safety hazards.
- Operate with high efficiency across a broad mix of products.
- Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions.
- Troubleshoot failure modes and provide recommendations to improve reliability and manufacturability.
- Train peers and grow expertise across products including seal installation and pneumatic pressure testing.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- 6+ years of experience working in a fabrication, manufacturing/assembly, or testing role.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations.
- Ability to work 1st shift (5:00 AM - 3:30 PM) or 2nd shift (3:30 PM - 2:00 AM), overtime, and weekends as needed.
- Ability to lift at least 30 lbs. unassisted.
- Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in weld preparation
- Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation or automotive hardware
- A&P license
- Lean manufacturing (5S) knowledge and experience
- High attention to detail
- Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices and mechanical/pneumatic systems
- 5+ years of aerospace component testing experience
- 5+ years of experience working on aircrafts, rocket engines, or high performance cars
Benefits
- Company stock or long-term cash awards
- Discretionary bonuses
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 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
Skills
- Laser Welding
- Mechanical Assembly
- Pressure Testing
- Pneumatic Systems
- Seal Installation
- 5S
- Lean Manufacturing
- A&P
- Weld Preparation
