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.
TOOLMAKER, R&D (RAPTOR)
Work with the Raptor Tooling and Automation Engineers in fabricating, integrating and activating custom designed tools from simple fixtures to full electro-mechanical robot systems. Hands-on mentality and flexibility are essential for delivering critical Raptor production equipment
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Understand and apply fabrication techniques to deliver production and development tooling
- Interpret blueprints of varying complexity with a fundamental understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Collect geometric data via metrology equipment through model-based software such as Verisurf. Evaluate analysis for out-of-tolerance conditions, communicating issues to engineering and troubleshooting as required.
- Apply creative solutions and troubleshooting methods to achieve tool’s form, fit, and functions
- Ensure operations can be performed safely while meeting SpaceX quality standards
- Effectively communicate to fabricators, machinists, assemblers, engineers, and other parties as required
- Cross train with Raptor R&D and Automation and Controls to be able to provide surge support as required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certification
- 1+ years professional experience with toolmaking or metrology (e.g. performing inspections, using CMMs, portable arms, optics, or laser trackers) or machining (e.g. completing simple components from blueprints, creating blueprints, operating knee mills and gear lathes, using inspection tools, waterjets)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Two-year degree (associate or technical)
- Experience analyzing data via laser tracker (or equivalent) and generating data reports (experience with Verisurf preferred)
- Ability to locate components with high precision as defined by engineering provided drawings and models
- Strong mechanical aptitude, with ability to quickly troubleshoot issues using design & fabrication skillset
- Ability to visualize and comprehend complex geometries in 3D space, for both small and large scale fabrication tasks
- Ability to use and learn a variety of software to analyze and communicate pertinent information
- Demonstrates leadership and dependability
- Ability to adapt to an extremely dynamic work environment while maintaining a positive attitude
- Apply diverse thinking and leverage past experience to find solutions to novel problems
- Ability to maintain the highest level of safety on the job site, striving to always look for ways to improve safety in a dynamic work environment
- Desire to integrate with teams that can change in size and personnel daily and contribute their skills to its cohesion, and effectiveness
- Experience operating conventional and/or portable mills and lathes or boring bars
- Experience with reading electrical and pneumatic schematics
- Experience with overhead bridge cranes, gantries, mobile cranes and other lifting devices. Familiarity with best rigging practices and handling large, heavy, and imbalanced components preferred
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Travel to different sites (ex. McGregor) up to 20% of the time
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 35 lbs. unassisted
- Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
- Work longer shifts, OT and weekends, as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Toolmaker/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour
Toolmaker/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour
Toolmaker/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalency certification
- 1+ years professional experience with toolmaking, metrology (inspections, CMMs, portable arms, optics, or laser trackers), or machining
- Ability to collect geometric data via metrology and evaluate out-of-tolerance conditions
- Interpret blueprints and apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Ability to travel to different sites up to 20% of the time
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks (standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, cramped positions, climbing hand over hand)
- Ability to lift heavy objects up to 35 lbs unassisted
- Willingness to work longer shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed
- Meet ITAR eligibility: U.S. citizen/national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, Asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations
- Experience operating conventional and/or portable mills, lathes, or boring bars (inspection and basic machining skills)
- Two-year degree (associate or technical)
- Experience analyzing laser tracker data and generating reports (experience with Verisurf preferred)
- Experience reading electrical and pneumatic schematics
- Experience with overhead bridge cranes, gantries, mobile cranes, rigging and handling large components
- Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting, ability to visualize complex 3D geometries, and use/learn analysis software
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.






