← Back to all roles in the United States

Hawthorne, United States

Propulsion Technician - Raptor Production Machining

SpaceX · Hawthorne · United States

$23.00–$27.00 per hourMechanic / Technician

Posted: 9/16/2026 · Last checked: 10/12/2026

Job description

Quoted in full from SpaceX's job posting. Gavroche does not edit it.

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.

PROPULSION TECHNICIAN (RAPTOR PRODUCTION MACHINING)  

Candidates should possess a combination of solid mechanical knowledge, hands-on experience and the willingness and ability to learn. The propulsion technician is responsible for manufacturing, assembly, and testing of rocket hardware and associated sub-assemblies. This is a dynamic position that requires the flexibility to work on different systems, the ability to troubleshoot anomalies, and the ability to work autonomously on defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront of everything that is done.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Grind, file, or sand surfaces of metal items, utilizing a variety of hand tools, power tools, and machines 
  • Chase machine cut threads to size 
  • Polish tight tolerance surface finishes 
  • Wash parts that have gone through deburr process 
  • Inspect surface finishes, threads, and broken edges 
  • Remove defects and smooth uneven surfaces 
  • Use tools and fluid flow to remove chips/debris from passages in parts 
  • Borescope parts to check for internal defects and debris 
  • Read and interpret technical drawings and follow detailed work instructions 
  • Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment 
  • Operate test cell instrumentation and use computer network systems as well as test units as described in the test instruction 
  • Operate machinery such as vacuum furnaces, ultrasonic immersion, proof/waterflow booths 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate 
  • 1+ years of experience in manufacturing 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Able to bench close tolerance dimensions within what the blueprint calls for 
  • Experience utilizing various measuring instruments: mics, veneers, ultra-sonic thickness gauges 
  • Experience with lean manufacturing and 5S organizational methods 
  • Experience using digital borescopes for visual inspection 
  • Strong mathematical, basic computer, problem solving and decision-making skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team to meet aggressive schedules 
  • Ability to operate and understand readouts on automated asset user interfaces and hydrostatic proof booth 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Available for overtime and weekend hours 
  • Must be available for 1st shift (5:00 AM – 3:30 PM) 
  • Capable of lifting up to 50lbs without accommodation 
  • Capable of standing and kneeling without accommodation  

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. 

Similar roles in Hawthorne

200 open roles like this one; at most three per employer shown.

What mechanic / technician adverts in the United States state

Middle half: 41,438 – 68,250 USD a year; median 51,675 USD.

From 1699 adverts by 364 employers that state a salary, annualised.

How mechanic / technician roles in the United States are worked

1% fully remote · 0% hybrid · 99% do not say

Of 2715 adverts. An advert that does not state a work mode is counted as not saying, not as on-site.

New openings in Hawthorne, by week

  1. 7/20/2026 34
  2. 7/27/2026 40
  3. 8/3/2026 42
  4. 8/10/2026 37
  5. 8/17/2026 54
  6. 8/24/2026 28
  7. 8/31/2026 41
  8. 9/7/2026 28
  9. 9/14/2026 40
  10. 9/21/2026 39
  11. 9/28/2026 38
  12. 10/5/2026 43
  13. 10/12/2026 1

465 openings over 12 weeks, by the week they were published.

Other roles at SpaceX

2230 open.