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Friction Stir Welding Technician (Falcon)

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA

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Level
Technician
Team
Manufacturing
Experience asked
1+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level manufacturing role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Hawthorne, CA. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.

They ask for
1+ years
Tools it names
PLC, Machining, 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

Manufacturing Technician roles in California: typical posted base $56k–$78k.

Median of the low and high ends of 10 live postings that list pay, out of 118 manufacturing technician 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 85 other live manufacturing postings in California.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $84k–$121k, from 13 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Less than usual (1+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • Tooling 37%
  • ✓ Machining 35%
  • Team leadership 35%
  • CNC 35%
  • ✓ New product launch 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for PLC, Welding, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 1+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverageLifts up to 25 lbs

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at SpaceX

    We found 9 people at this company and state: 5 in this kind of role, 4 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 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 Michael → (free)
  3. 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 does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 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. 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 · 9 people we found in manufacturing roles at SpaceX.

All 67 roles at SpaceX →
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

  • ◆Set up and operate large, motion-controlled machines to create friction stir welds on launch vehicles
  • ◆Perform precision blending using hand tools to prepare metallic surfaces for welding and non-destructive evaluation
  • ◆Perform periodic maintenance on machines with complex pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems
  • ◆Accurately use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches
  • ◆Assist with area projects to improve safety, quality, and delivery

Qualifications

  • ✓High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • ✓1+ years of experience with machining, welding, or metal fabrication

Preferred skills and experience

  • ✓3+ years of industry experience in machining, welding, or metal fabrication
  • ✓Experience in a manufacturing or production environment in the aerospace industry
  • ✓Ability to interpret electronic work instructions, process specifications, and technical drawings
  • ✓Ability to perform basic shop math (such as geometry and trigonometry)
  • ✓Experience with PLC troubleshooting, HMIs, and NC programming
  • ✓Experience with surface and sub-surface NDE methodologies (such as dye penetrant inspection or ultrasonic inspection)
  • ✓Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Requirements

  • ✓Must be able to work the following shifts:
  • ✓Monday to Friday, 5:00AM - 3:30PM
  • ✓Friday to Monday, 4:30AM - 4:30PM
  • ✓Must be open to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • ✓This is a hands-on position that may require standing for up to 4 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor
  • ✓Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted
  • ✓Must be comfortable stooping, bending, standing, climbing ladders, or working in tight spaces
  • ✓Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as required

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 ↓

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.

Pay range

Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour

Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour

Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/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

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