CNC Machinist, Thermal Development (Starship) jobs in United States
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SpaceX · 4 hours ago

CNC Machinist, Thermal Development (Starship)

SpaceX is a company focused on developing technologies for space exploration with the goal of enabling human life on Mars. The CNC Machinist on the Thermal Protection Systems team will be responsible for preprocessing and manufacturing ceramic materials for heat shields, ensuring these components can withstand extreme conditions during atmospheric entry.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel
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Growth Opportunities
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Responsibilities

Preprocess and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products (candidate must be comfortable working with these types of ceramic materials)
Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
Basic fabrication, surface preparation for 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 for drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

Qualification

Thermal protection systemsCeramic materials fabricationPrecision measuring instrumentsRobotic automationProgrammable Logic ControlBasic mathematical conceptsMicrosoft OfficeBasic welding understanding

Required

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
Experience with various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools
Ability to work one of the following shifts: Monday- Friday (6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) or Monday -Friday (6:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.)
Hold or be willing to obtain a valid Driver's License
Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
Sit: Up to 1 hour per day
Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
Walk: Up to 6 hours per day
Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees Up to 1 hour per day
Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
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

Preferred

Ability to use precision measuring instruments (calipers, height gauge, depth mic)
Ability to operate personnel platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)
Ability to perform work according to procedures and specifications
Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales 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 concepts
Fluent in the Office platform (Microsoft Word, and Excel)
Experience operating and maintaining Kuka or other 6-axis robots
Experience in using Simantic or other HMIs
Basic understanding of stud arc welding
Basic understanding of robotic automation
Experience working with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in an automation setting

Company

SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$11.78B
Key Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M

Leadership Team

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Bret Johnsen
CFO
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Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
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Company data provided by crunchbase