Kiln Technician, Thermal Hardware (Starship)

The role

The Kiln Technician operates, monitors, and maintains kilns and related equipment to process raw materials into heat shield tiles. This hands-on role involves routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring reliable production for Starship.

What you will do

• Operate kilns and supporting equipment daily following standard work instructions and safety protocols
• Perform routine monitoring of kiln parameters and log data accurately
• Conduct daily walk-downs, visual inspections, and basic cleaning/lubrication of kiln components
• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance, calibration checks, and minor part replacements
• Work on transportation systems, motors, alignment, and mechanical work
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic operational issues and escalate complex problems
• Document issues using maintenance tickets and complete corrective actions
• Assist with kiln changeovers, setup, and recovery from stops or crashes
• Support production quality investigations and assist with containment or rework
• Maintain a clean and organized work area

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or operations
• Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and overtime as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to work in hot, noisy environments with proper PPE
• Must be able to climb ladders/stairs
• Must be able to perform tasks in confined or elevated areas

Nice to have

• Technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or related field
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, machinery, and basic troubleshooting
• Direct experience operating or maintaining kilns, dryers, or high-temperature industrial equipment in ceramics, aerospace materials, or high-volume manufacturing
• Familiarity with reading gauges, interpreting alarms/trends, and using basic HMI interfaces
• Understanding of preventive maintenance principles, spare parts management, and 5S/Lean workplace practices
• Experience with safety systems, PPE usage, and working in hot or physically demanding environments
• Knowledge of basic quality tools
• Prior exposure to processes such as CNC support, material handling, assembly, or thermal processing of composites/ceramics
• Strong team player with good communication skills and reliability in shift-based work

Before you apply

• Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

About the company

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The company was founded on the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting.