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Propulsion Technician (Starship)

by SpaceX

Job role insights

Date Posted

September 17, 2026

Employment Type

Full Time

Salary Range

$23–$27/hr (≈$47.8K–$56.2K/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.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality propulsion.
  • Collaborate with engineering and leadership to achieve component delivery rate in a reliable manner.
  • Set the standard for a rigorous and efficient technician team by operating with high efficiency and utilization across a broad mix of products. Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and work/test instructions, and communicate daily work completion to report to leadership.
  • Execute daily precision manufacturing tasks, including:
    • Assemble and fit-up subassemblies for fluid systems, including precision alignment, braze joints, fastener torquing, and populating avionics connector pin-out with exact wire routing and crimping.
    • Conduct proof pressure testing on assemblies and hi-pot electrical testing for insulation integrity.
  • Troubleshoot failure modes and collaborate with design, tooling, quality, and engineering teams to:
    • Resolve technical issues.
    • Recommend improvements to designs/instructions/processes for enhanced reliability, manufacturability, and production rates.
    • Transition products from design to high-volume production.

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 1+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/assembly, welding, or testing role OR completion from a relevant trade school.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience.
  • Trained in assembly or testing of propulsion, aviation, or aerospace hardware.
  • High pressure testing knowledge.
  • High voltage testing knowledge.
  • A&P license.
  • Experience and knowledge operating brazement furnace.
  • Experience working with thin-walled tubing.
  • Experience working with Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel.
  • Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW).
  • Lean manufacturing (5S) knowledge and experience.
  • High attention to detail in order to ensure safety and accuracy of testing procedures.
  • Experience with pressure/temperature/flow measurement devices and mechanical/electrical systems.
  • Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Basic computer experience.
  • The ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production teams at all levels of the business.
  • The ability to work autonomously or as part of a team to achieve inspiring production goals.

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to travel to other sites if needed.
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs assisted and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to work first shift (~4:00am – ~2:30PM) or second shift (~2:30PM – ~1:00AM).
  • Must be able to support overtime and weekend work requests.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:

  • Propulsion Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour
  • Propulsion Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour
  • Propulsion Technician/Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/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.

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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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