Propulsion Technician - Raptor Chamber & Nozzle Assembly & Final Assembly - 2nd Shift
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Posted on August 22, 2026
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Posted on August 22, 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 of enabling human life on Mars.
PROPULSION TECHNICIAN - RAPTOR CHAMBER & NOZZLE ASSEMBLY & FINAL ASSEMBLY – 2nd SHIFT
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 the 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 can work autonomously on defined schedules while keeping safety and quality at the forefront of everything that is done.
Responsibilities
Clean, prepare, and assemble various main combustion chamber assemblies and sub-assembly pieces for Electron Beam (EB) welding, Laser Welding, Tig Welding, or brazing. Perform work according to procedures, specifications, and test instructions. Operate machinery such as DAVI roll former, automated TIG welding machine, and hydro-forming sheet metal Run automated machines for surface preparation or thermal barrier coating applications. Read and interpret technical drawings and follow detailed work instructions. Use precision calibrated tools – torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers. Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment. Operate forklifts, cranes and heavy equipment. Perform blending, filing and shearing of sheet metal piece parts. Clean tools, valves, regulators and maintain a professional and neat work area. Stage, install, set-up, test and de-tool Thrust Chamber Assemblies and subassemblies. Troubleshoot engines and cell systems. Operate test cell instrumentation and uses computer network systems, as well as test units as described in the test instruction. Accept or reject test units based on calculated test data and results. Perform work according to procedures, specifications and test instructions.
Basic Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
Preferred Skills And Experience
Experience staging, installing, removing and de-staging propulsion engines A&P license 2+ years of experience working on aircraft or rocket engines 5+ years of aerospace engines experience Knowledge of pressure, temperature and flow measurement devices; mechanical and electrical systems; and/or propulsion engines 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
Able to lift a min. of 25 lbs. unassisted This is a 2ND shift role working from 3:30 PM - 2:00 AM, overtime and weekends as needed Able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces
Compensation And Benefits
Pay Range:
Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00
Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50
Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00
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 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. 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.
This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Hawthorne, CA currently run a median of $36/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $31–$58/hr across 34 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.
We're tracking 40 other active welding openings in Hawthorne, CA right now, from 5 different employers. 15 of them were added in the last week. Across California as a whole we're tracking 596 other active welding openings from 294 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Hawthorne, or widen the search to California.
SpaceX currently has 33 other openings live in California, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.
The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (33), Aerotek (16), and Volt (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.
Within California, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Santa Ana at $48/hr, Los Angeles at $45/hr, and El Segundo at $38/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.
This posting calls for TIG. TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler added by hand, giving the operator the most control of any process. It is slow, demanding, and the standard for stainless, aluminum, and anything where the bead has to look as good as it holds.
See all manufacturing welder openings if you want to compare this against similar roles.
Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Propulsion Technician - Raptor Chamber & Nozzle Assembly & Final Assembly - 2nd Shift figures were last recalculated when this page was built.