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SpaceX
Thermal Development Technician (Starship)
Career Insights for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
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What they do
A Non-Destructive Testing Specialist uses ultrasonic, electromagnetic, thermal or liquid penetration tests to check structures or materials for cracks, defects or signs of corrosion. May work on large structures such as bridges, dams or pipelines, or check vehicles such as aircraft. Interprets and reports on test results that include images and measurements; maintains and calibrates equipment.
$74,642 / year median in Florida
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Thermal Development Technician (Starship) SpaceX United States, Florida, Cape Canaveral 47100 S.C. Phillips Parkway (Show on map) Jul 18, 2026 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 ofenabling human life on Mars.
THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, HEAT SHIELD
(STARSHIP)•MULTIPLE SHIFTS
The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration's toughest problems by developing and producing the heat shields for our next-generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry.RESPONSIBILITIES
Process and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system Prepare basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging; check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, and perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven curing Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing Perform product inspection and rework as required Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machineryBASIC QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalency certificate 1+ year of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operationsPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure Experience with composite tooling materials Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron) Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA) Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes Good understanding of basic mathematical conceptsADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral Ability to work one of the following shifts: Day shift: 6:00am- 6:00pm Sunday
- Wednesday or Wednesday
- Saturday Night shift: 6:00pm
- 6:00am Sunday
- Wednesday or Wednesday
- Saturday Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime as necessary, to support business needs Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
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.