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Integration Technician (Starshield) - Level 4/5

by SpaceX

Job role insights

Date Posted

September 17, 2026

Employment Type

Full Time

Salary Range

$36–$43/hr (≈$74.9K–$89.4K/yr)

Cost of Living

View details for Hawthorne

Locations

Hawthorne, California

Application Deadline

October 17, 2026

Description

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.

Integration Technician (Starshield) - Level 4/5

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, focusing on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. SpaceX's unique full-stack approach enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability offers expedient and economical access to space.

The Integration Technician is responsible for hardware assembly, integration, and testing of Starshield assemblies and satellites. The task requires both mechanical assembly and avionics integration skills, along with test and repair activities.

Responsibilities

  • Stage, set up, assemble, test, and install flight hardware.
  • Use various mechanical tools without instruction.
  • Use precision calibrated tools including automated and manual torque wrenches.
  • Perform hands-on operations with both large and small mechanical assemblies.
  • Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions.
  • Collaborate with production engineers to develop and document activities.
  • Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications.
  • Ensure all production services are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner.
  • Perform related duties as assigned to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.
  • Support troubleshooting of hardware issues in real-time and provide feedback to eliminate repeat issues.

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 7+ years of experience with structures, avionics, propulsion, or automotive hardware installation.
  • 5+ years of experience working in an electrical or mechanical test environment or performing electrical or mechanical installations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • 10+ years of experience with structures, avionics, propulsion, or automotive hardware installation.
  • Certificate or degree from an accredited trade school.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment.
  • Excellent attention to detail and an insistence on permanently correcting errors.
  • Experience in the aerospace industry, aviation, military, or other high-volume operating environment preferred.
  • A demonstrated ability in reading/understanding technical drawings, manuals, and reports.
  • Ability to use precision measuring instruments and test equipment.
  • Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems.
  • A&P certification.
  • Hands-on experience performing mechanical or avionics installation work on aircraft.
  • Hands-on experience fabricating harnesses and/or electro-mechanical assemblies.
  • Skill in operating and manipulating machinery and various hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity. Experience with forklifts, cranes, and heavy equipment is a plus.

Additional Requirements

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Estimated shift hours: 1st shift 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, 2nd shift 3:30 PM to 2:00 AM.
  • Up to 10% of travel may be required for this role.
  • Standing for long periods, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform this position.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
  • Must be able to work onsite; remote work is not considered.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range:

Level 4: $36.00 - $43.00
Level 5: $41.00 - $51.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on 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 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, 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to company policy, which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.

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AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot: Hawthorne, California

What aviation pay actually covers in Hawthorne — AviHire's snapshot of median income, housing, and everyday prices from U.S. Census Bureau data (2023 5-Year ACS estimates).

Median Household Income
$72,719
Median Rent
$1,723/mo
Median Home Value
$813,700
Gasoline (1 gal)
$4.45
Restaurant Meal
$17.22
Milk (1 L)
$1.06
Eggs (dozen)
$2.1

Rent runs about 28.4% of median income in Hawthorne moderate by the common 30%-of-income guideline.

AviHire Cost of Living Snapshot, compiled from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2023), with fuel and grocery prices from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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