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.
CNC PROGRAMMER, DEVELOPMENT (STARLINK)
SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. The Starlink R&D team is responsible for the fabrication and assembly of prototype development, production tooling, and automation equipment for the rapidly growing Starlink consumer electronics business. Technicians work closely with the engineering team to execute high-impact projects that expand and improve the Starlink product assembly lines from early-stage development to the highest volume production capable systems at SpaceX.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Drive CNC mill programming and operations to optimize efficiency and productivity
- Spearhead the expansion of CNC capabilities to expedite product development cycles
- Fabricate electromechanical production and test systems using a wide array of tools, machines, and equipment and collaborate with engineering to deliver solutions
- Work creatively to fabricate components using a wide range of equipment such as mills, lathes, welding, brakes, presses, and CNC processes
- Assemble complex integrated assemblies that may include mechanical precision assembly, high and low voltage wiring, and pneumatics
- Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and build instructions to complete assembly and fabrication processes for critical tooling and equipment
- Maintain and support the operation of the development shop by enforcing proper workflow, safety, tidiness, and inventory control of consumables and equipment
- Perform and promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining an efficient and presentable team work space
- Work creatively and innovate to support team goals by always being prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of experience in mechanical fabrication (component assembly, welding, machining, hand tools, etc.)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience reading mechanical and engineering drawings, working knowledge of GD&T
- Experience reading and interpreting fluid and electrical schematics
- Working knowledge of wiring best practices and safety standards
- Knowledge/experience with electromechanical systems (harness wiring, stepper motors, solenoids, pneumatics, actuators etc.)
- Able to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision
- Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team
- Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes, and parts
- Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail
- Proficient computer skills; comfortable with using email and the Microsoft Office suite
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to gain forklift certification
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as required to support critical milestones
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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of mechanical fabrication experience, including assembly, welding, machining, or hand tools
- Ability to gain forklift certification
- Ability to lift 25 pounds unassisted
- Ability to perform physical activities including standing, climbing, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying
- Willingness to work overtime and weekends as required
- Experience reading mechanical and engineering drawings and working knowledge of GD&T
- Experience reading and interpreting fluid and electrical schematics
- Working knowledge of wiring best practices and safety standards
- Knowledge or experience with electromechanical systems, harness wiring, stepper motors, solenoids, pneumatics, and actuators
- Ability to work independently and solve problems efficiently with minimal supervision
- Experience working on cross-functional teams
- Proficient computer skills and familiarity with email and Microsoft Office
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.







