Thermal Development Technician (Starship) - job 1 of 2

As a Thermal Development Technician at SpaceX, your responsibilities include preprocessing and manufacturing ceramic fibers and powders necessary for our robust thermal protection systems, fabricating components like ceramic tiles and thermal gap fillers, and conducting product inspections. You will also document processes meticulously to ensure every step can be reliably replicated, all while working hands-on in both the lab and the factory.

To qualify for the Thermal Development Technician role at SpaceX, you need a high school diploma or equivalency, along with experience in composite tooling materials and using hand tools. Preferred skills include proficiency with precision measuring instruments, an understanding of thermal protection systems, and experience in high-temperature processing environments.

At SpaceX, a Thermal Development Technician can expect a dynamic work environment that involves hands-on tasks in both outdoor and indoor settings. You will be working in extreme outdoor conditions sometimes, which requires physical stamina and the ability to work at elevated heights. The workplace promotes collaboration, creativity, and innovation, making it an exhilarating place to contribute to groundbreaking projects.

Yes, there are significant opportunities for career advancement as a Thermal Development Technician at SpaceX. Depending on your skill set, performance, and experience, you may progress through different levels, from Level 1 up to Level 3, which offers competitive pay and development opportunities that can lead to more specialized technical roles.

SpaceX offers an attractive benefits package to Thermal Development Technicians, which includes competitive pay based on experience, stock options, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and various discounts. You'll also enjoy a collaborative work atmosphere focused on innovation and teamwork.

In answering this question, provide specific examples of your hands-on experience with ceramic fibers, powders, or similar materials. Discuss any roles where you were involved in the preprocessing, fabrication, or inspection of these materials, and how that experience aligns with the responsibilities at SpaceX.

Highlight your attention to detail and processes for using precision measurement tools and scales. Share examples of past responsibilities that involved strict adherence to specifications and any corrective actions you took when discrepancies occurred.

Discuss your knowledge of safety protocols, including wearing personal protective equipment and adhering to safety guidelines during the handling and processing of high-temperature materials. Mention any training you've completed that emphasizes safety practices in a manufacturing setting.

Explain your systematic approach to troubleshooting, including data collection, analysis, and collaboration with team members to identify and solve problems. Use examples that contextualize these skills in a previous role or project.

Describe your approach to precise documentation and why it's important. Give examples where thorough record-keeping improved processes, enhanced communication with your team, or facilitated successful replication of work.

Discuss your familiarity and comfort level with different hand tools and processing equipment. Include how you ensure precision and efficiency during equipment operation in fabrication tasks relevant to thermal protection systems.

Talk about any relevant continuing education, certifications, or professional organizations you participate in to enhance your knowledge. Mention any specific technologies or advancements in thermal protection systems that excite you and can benefit SpaceX.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Focus on your contribution and how your actions led to successful results despite challenges.

Reflect on your passion for the aerospace industry or the technological advancements in thermal protection. Discuss how this motivates you daily, especially in contributing to a mission as significant as space exploration.

Describe your strategy for managing time and tasks efficiently, such as using to-do lists, setting deadlines, or employing prioritization techniques to ensure all projects progress smoothly without compromising quality.