Structures Technician (Fairings) - Multiple Shifts
SpaceX
Vandenberg Village, CA, USA
USD 23-41.75 / hour + Equity
Posted on Oct 30, 2025
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.
STRUCTURES TECHNICIAN (FAIRINGS) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Modify, repair, assemble, and install spacecraft and vehicle components and subcomponents
- Modify and/or repair carbon fiber primary structures and sub-structures
- Create, monitor, and troubleshoot various vacuum bagging applications
- Use tooling holes, pilot holes, or by hand (as required), per drawing or tooling instructions
- Align parts and secure in place using clecos or tooling/hand clamps
- Install fasteners in correct sequence per drawing, using correct tools (e.g., rivet gun and bucking bar, drill motor, power screwdriver, C-squeeze, ratchet wrench, nut runner)
- Shim and/or trim parts as required
- Select drill bits, reamers and/or countersinking tools for pilot and full-size holes
- Locate, drill pilot holes using drill motor and proper size drill bit(s)
- Drill, ream, countersink full size holes in parts/assemblies, in proper sequence and to correct size using drill motor
- Set countersinking tools to proper depth as required
- Disassemble parts and deburr holes using chip chasers, deburring tools, and files to prepare for installation of fasteners
- Use solvents to clean surfaces prior to sealing or assembly
- Apply sealant, Alodine, primer, adhesives, special finishes
- Load and unload ovens to bond detail parts to assemblies
- Determine and obtain correct type and size fasteners
- Cold work holes to prepare for close tolerance fastener installation
- Install bushings into housings using arbor press and/or hydraulic puller
- Check work after completion of each operation in job and/or completed job to ensure it is complete per drawing
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 1+ years of hands-on experience in assembly, test, maintenance, repair and/or installation; OR a certificate from an accredited trade skills program
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience drilling, reaming, honing and/or countersinking straight and close tolerance holes
- Experience gained through the military or within an aviation manufacturing company
- Experience using various types of hand tools and/or hand-held power tools, floor-mounted power tools and precision measuring tools
- Capable of visualizing a three-dimensional shape from a two-dimensional view and understanding symbols, flag notes, and general notes
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals and fractions)
- Experience making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications
- Experience handling various composite assemblies and/ or materials (carbon fiber, kevlar, fiberglass, etc.)
- Experience handling various single and dual-part silicones and epoxies and their respective dispensing/mixing equipment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Space Force background check for Vandenberg
- Ability to work one of the following shifts:
- Day Shift: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 4:30pm
- Split Shift: Monday - Friday 1:00pm - 11:30pm
- Night Shift: Monday - Friday 5:00pm - 3:30am
- Must be willing to travel (approximately 20%) to other work sites as necessary
- Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
- Ability to lift 35 lbs. unassisted
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet feet), including the use of ladders
- Ability to perform overhead work for extended periods of time
- Ability to operate heavy machinery
- Ability to work in confined spaces
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors and noise
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Structures Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $29.75/hour
Structures Technician/Level 2: $28.50 - $35.75/hour
Structures Technician/Level 3: $34.00 - $41.75/hour
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.