
CNC Programmer, Development (Starlink)
SpaceX · Bastrop, TX
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Bastrop, TX. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
- They ask for
- 3+ years
- Tools it names
- 5S, GD&T, Automation, CNC, Machining, Welding
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$91k.
Median of the low and high ends of 50 live postings that list pay, out of 825 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 72 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 4+)
Typical $85k–$105k, from 5 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 49%
- ✓ Tooling 40%
- ✓ Machining 37%
- ✓ CNC 33%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Automation, Assembly lines, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 Manufacturing team at SpaceX
We found 1 person at this company and state: 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 Andres → (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?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- 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 Bastrop
157 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in manufacturing roles at SpaceX.
- Facilities Specialist, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink) · Reliability · Specialist
- Lead Operations Engineer · Production · Manager
- Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Starlink) · Quality · Senior
- Lead Production Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink) · Production · Technician
- PECVD Process Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink) · Process
- Process Specialist, Vendor Management (Starlink) · Process · Specialist
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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
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
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 .
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
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.
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.
