Apprentice Production Technician (Starlink) - 2nd Shift

As an Apprentice Production Technician (Starlink) at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities will include building small electrical sub-assemblies, mechanical and electrical assembly of satellite components, and conducting functional testing of built hardware. You'll also troubleshoot complex automated equipment and assist in the development of prototype test capabilities, making a direct impact on the Starlink project.

To qualify for the Apprentice Production Technician (Starlink) position at SpaceX, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus at least 1 year of hands-on experience. Preferred qualifications include 2+ years in electro-mechanical assembly and an associate degree. Certifications in IPC or J-STD are a plus, along with a demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings.

Success as an Apprentice Production Technician (Starlink) at SpaceX requires excellent mechanical and electrical assembly skills, a solid understanding of electrical wiring, and proficiency in reading technical documentation. Strong communication and organizational skills are vital to manage priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment. Experience with soldering and testing equipment will also serve you well in this role.

The pay range for the Apprentice Production Technician (Starlink) position at SpaceX varies based on experience and qualifications, with starting salaries ranging from $22.00 to $26.50 per hour. As you progress in your role, your compensation can increase, and additional benefits include stock options, comprehensive health coverage, and paid vacation.

As an Apprentice Production Technician (Starlink) at SpaceX, you can expect a dynamic and collaborative work environment. You'll be working alongside talented colleagues dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. The role involves hands-on work, problem-solving in real-time, and rotating shifts, ensuring that no two days are the same!

When answering this question, provide specific examples of past projects where you assembled mechanical components and electrical systems. Highlight any relevant tools or techniques you've used, and explain how those experiences have prepared you for the Apprentice Production Technician position at SpaceX.

In your response, discuss your systematic approach to troubleshooting, such as isolating the problem, using diagnostic tools, and consulting technical documentation. Give an example of a past troubleshooting experience and how it was resolved, linking it to the skills needed for the position.

Emphasize your knowledge of safety practices necessary in manufacturing, such as proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of tools and materials, and adherence to company safety guidelines. Sharing an experience where you ensured safety protocols were followed effectively can strengthen your answer.

Explain your familiarity with different soldering techniques, including through-hole and surface-mount soldering. If you hold any IPC or J-STD certification, mention that as well. Share how your precision and attention to detail contributed to successful soldering projects in your previous roles.

Discuss your organizational skills and techniques for prioritizing tasks, such as using to-do lists or software tools. Provide an example from your previous work where you successfully managed competing priorities and met deadlines, demonstrating your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

In your answer, describe any relevant experience you have with maintaining lab equipment used in assembly or testing processes. Discuss any maintenance schedules you’ve kept and how you ensured equipment was calibrated properly, connecting your experience to the requirements of the Apprentice Production Technician role.

Talk about your openness to constructive criticism and how you perceive feedback as an opportunity for growth. Provide an example where you received feedback, implemented changes, and subsequently improved your performance or contributed positively to team dynamics.

Address potential challenges such as maintaining quality control during high-volume production, ensuring synchronization among team members, or technical difficulties in assembly processes. Share how you would approach mitigating these challenges and contributing to the overall success of the Starlink project.

Provide a specific example of teamwork, detailing your role, the project goals, and the outcome. Emphasize collaboration, problem-solving, and the importance of communication, which are key attributes valued in the Apprentice Production Technician role at SpaceX.

Express your passion for aerospace technology and explain how SpaceX’s mission aligns with your own values and career aspirations. Highlight your excitement about being part of innovative projects like Starlink and your eagerness to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in this field.