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Machine Maintenance Technician (CNC) - Level 4/5

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA

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Level
Technician
Team
Reliability
Degree
Required
Experience asked
7+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

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

They ask for
7+ years · degree required
Tools it names
PLC, Robotics, CNC, Machining
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

Maintenance Technician roles in California: typical posted base $72k–$110k.

Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 107 maintenance 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 107 other live reliability postings in California.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $72k–$110k, from 7 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (7+ vs 3+)

Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ PLC 31%
  • Tooling 31%
  • Welding 30%
  • Team leadership 30%
  • EHS / safety 20%

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

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

It asks for 7+ 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 coverage

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 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. 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. 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. 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 · 3 people we found in reliability roles at SpaceX.

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

Responsibilities

  • ◆Maintain and repair all assets to ensure their proper operating condition
  • ◆Provide preventative and correct maintenance on various complex CNCs: 5-axis milling, mill turn applications, horizontal and vertical lathes
  • ◆Troubleshoot and repair control and electrical system failures involving PLCs, HMIs, servomotors, servo amplifiers, input/output, and field sensors
  • ◆Troubleshoot and repair various machine tool hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including actuators, valves, pumps, and filters
  • ◆Troubleshoot and repair machine tool mechanical systems, including ball screws, linear rails, guideways, and gearboxes
  • ◆Drive forklifts and company vehicles
  • ◆Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

Qualifications

  • ✓High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • ✓7+ years experience with hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical repair or maintenance
  • ✓Experience with one or more of the following CNC control systems: Siemens 840D, Okuma, Fanuc, Heidenheimer, and Allen Bradley

Preferred skills and experience

  • ✓Associates degree in a technical discipline
  • ✓Experience installing, aligning and commissioning 5 axis machines in aerospace environment
  • ✓Experience adjusting CNC geometry components including – straightness, squareness, linear accuracy, servo tuning, tool center point control
  • ✓Experience using Renishaw calibration systems including XL-80 Laser Interferometer and Ballbar
  • ✓Experience in the application & operation of precision machine tools in aerospace manufacturing environment
  • ✓Experience operating a forklift and other related inventory equipment
  • ✓Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics and drawings
  • ✓Ability to write detailed repair reports (advanced MS Office skills)
  • ✓Ability to use power tools and hand tools as well as heavy equipment
  • ✓Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards
  • ✓Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
  • ✓Analytical thinker that gets to the root of problems and comes up with permanent solutions to remedy issues
  • ✓Self-motivated and able to work well with others

Requirements

  • ✓Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • ✓1st shift: Monday to Friday: 5:30AM – 3:30PM
  • ✓2nd shift: Monday to Friday: 1:30PM – 12:00AM
  • ✓Available to work all required shift hours and be available to work overtime, and weekends, as needed
  • ✓Willingness to obtain a forklift certification and operate them when needed
  • ✓Physical effort with some handling of lightweight supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
  • ✓Standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying may be required to perform the functions of this position
  • ✓Ability to work at heights and confined spaces

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.

Machine maintenance technician (cnc) - level 4/5

The CNC Machine Maintenance team provides mechanical, electrical, and controls support to SpaceX production, R&D machining and fabrication teams. We support a wide range of machine configurations and OEMs, including 5-axis gantries, multi-axis mill-turn machines, large vertical lathes, horizontal boring mills, spin-forming lathes, waterjets, and press brakes. CNC Machine Maintenance Technicians repair, maintain, and modify this equipment. The role requires collaboration and critical thinking to troubleshoot unique machine issues and resolve them quickly in a high-demand environment.

Pay range

Machine Maintenance Technician/Level 4: $45.00 - $53.00/hour

Machine Maintenance Technician/Level 5: $51.00 - $61.00/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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