
Raptor Manufacturing Specialist (Maintenance)
SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA
- Level
- Specialist
- Team
- Reliability
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A specialist reliability role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Hawthorne, CA. You’ll support preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on production equipment, working alongside experienced specialists to ensure smooth operations in a high-volume setting.
- They ask for
- 3+ years
- Tools it names
- Lean, Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Welding
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Reliability Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $115k–$165k.
Median of the low and high ends of 61 live postings that list pay, out of 130 reliability engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 129 other live reliability postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Typical $115k–$165k, from 61 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 71%
- FMEA 43%
- New product launch 42%
- Automation 32%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 28%
- SPC 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at SpaceX
We found 3 people at this company and state: 2 in this kind of role, 1 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Kevin → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: SpaceX in Hawthorne
66 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in reliability roles at SpaceX.
- Lead Hardware Reliability Engineer (Starshield) · Reliability · Manager
- Lead Operations Engineer · Production · Manager
- Environmental & Thermal Control Engineer (Dragon) · Controls
- Supplier Quality Specialist (Starship Supply Chain) · Quality · Specialist
- Manufacturing Engineer (Raptor Final Assembly & Tube Shop) · Manufacturing
- Process Specialist, Vendor Management (Starlink) · Process · Specialist
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Assume full ownership of asset recovery processes, from initial fault diagnosis and repair execution through functional validation and return-to-production release.
- ◆Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) regimens and perform corrective repairs on manufacturing and test equipment to ensure operational reliability and uptime.
- ◆Collaborate with engineers, managers, and customers to maintain systems in peak operating condition.
- ◆Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical systems using root-cause analysis techniques to minimize unplanned downtime.
- ◆Collaborate with asset owners to develop and maintain detailed work instructions for equipment preventative maintenance, ensuring zero unplanned service interruptions for employees and customers.
- ◆Maintain, calibrate, and inspect critical production assets including welding systems, high-pressure pumps, thermal ovens, vacuum chambers, and other specialized manufacturing machinery.
- ◆Demonstrate strong attention to detail with a high sense of urgency and a proactive approach to continuous learning of advanced maintenance practices and new equipment technologies.
- ◆Interpret and apply mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings to support fault isolation, diagnostics, and repair activities.
- ◆Safely operate power tools, hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and heavy equipment/lifting devices in accordance with established procedures.
- ◆Coordinate and manage on-site vendor support, including scope definition, quote evaluation, purchase order submission, and oversight of external service activities.
- ◆Strictly adhere to safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, and hazardous energy control procedures while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant work environment.
- ◆Utilize internal systems and platforms for work order tracking, maintenance documentation, parts inventory management, and equipment history logging.
Qualifications
- ✓High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- ✓3+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing, production, or technical environment
- ✓Experience with maintenance on industrial equipment, such as welding tools, ovens, vacuum systems, or environmental testing chambers.
- ✓Familiarity with reading blueprints, schematics, or technical drawings.
Preferred skills and experience
- ✓3+ years’ experience as a maintenance specialist in a production environment.
- ✓Ability to perform basic fabrication.
- ✓Understanding safety standards and Lean principles (e.g., basic problem-solving methods like Five Whys).
- ✓Analytical mindset for identifying simple root causes of issues.
Requirements
- ✓1st shift: Monday - Friday, 5:00am - 3:30pm
- ✓Capable of lifting 50 lbs. unassisted and comfortable with standing, climbing, bending, and working at heights
- ✓Willing to obtain certifications for forklifts, boom lifts, or other equipment as required
- ✓Ability to pass background checks for secure facilities
- ✓Up to 5% travel may be required for training or support
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 .
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, o
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Raptor manufacturing specialist (maintenance)
We’re seeking a motivated and eager specialist to join our team in a dynamic manufacturing environment. You’ll support preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on production equipment, working alongside experienced specialists to ensure smooth operations in a high-volume setting. This position is ideal for someone with foundational skills who is ready to learn, grow, and contribute to keeping critical systems running efficiently while collaborating with production teams.
Pay Range
Level 1: $33.00 - $39.00
Level 2: $37.00 - $44.00
Level 3: $41.00 - $50.00
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
