Piping Technician (Starlink)

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.

PIPING TECHNICIAN (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. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven technicians to drive manufacturing output and yield. You will have ownership of one or more process areas and will have the opportunity to directly impact Starlink’s products. You will have frequent interaction with engineering teams and leadership and will participate in developing and validating new equipment, processes, and technologies. The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, security, and user experience of the products that you will manufacture. 

As a Piping Technician at Starlink, you will take ownership of state-of-the-art piping systems that support our Starlink User Terminal Production Facility—supporting our PCB operations (largest printed circuit fab in North America!) and our Chip Packaging Plant (featuring a state-of-the-art panel level packaging process). You will install, maintain, and repair all piping systems to ensure reliable water quality and system uptime for our partner teams in a fast-paced, innovative manufacturing environment. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Install, assemble, modify, and maintain PVC piping systems, including solvent welding, threading, and mechanical joining for UPW and wastewater treatment processes
• Read and interpret P&IDs, blueprints, isometric drawings, and technical specifications to route and install piping systems 
• Install, align, and maintain pumps, valves, sensors, tanks, and other process equipment connected to piping systems 
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on piping infrastructure to support system availability greater than 99.9%
• Conduct pressure testing, leak checks, and system commissioning on new and existing piping runs 
• Collaborate with water treatment technicians, manufacturing, EHS, and engineering teams to optimize piping layouts, reduce leaks, and support continuous improvement initiatives 
• Ensure adherence to OSHA, EPA, and SpaceX safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), hot work permitting, and proper chemical handling around piping systems 
• Execute startup and shutdown procedures for piping and associated equipment 
• Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions 
• Maintain accurate documentation of piping modifications, as-built drawings, and spare parts inventory 
• Safely handle and transport piping materials, fittings, and chemicals 
• Ensure 5S standards are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area 
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate 
• 2+ years of hands-on experience as a plumber or pipefitter, or an associate’s degree in a relevant technical field

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Experience installing and maintaining PVC, CPVC, or other plastic piping systems in industrial or manufacturing environments 
• Stainless steel welding experience (TIG and/or MIG) 
• Welding certifications (AWS or equivalent) 
• Experience working in water treatment, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or electronics manufacturing facilities 
• Strong ability to read and interpret P&IDs, isometric drawings, and schematic diagrams 
• Experience with mechanical equipment isolation, disassembly, and repair 
• Experience with lockout/tagout, job hazard analysis, and hot work permitting 
• Experience handling corrosive or hazardous chemicals around piping systems 
• Proficiency with basic hand and power tools, as well as pipe threading and fusion equipment 
• Experience using production and inventory management software such as MES/ERP 
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work closely with other technicians and cross-functional teams 
• Ability to identify and maintain priorities while working independently in a high-paced, challenging work environment with minimal oversight 

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to lift up to of 25 lbs. unassisted 
• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time 
• Must be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents 
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro-chemical manufacturing environment 
• Must be comfortable with climbing up and down ladders, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces 
• Must be open to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed 
  • Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve as follows:
    • Will start as 5 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Thursday)  
  • Final permanent schedules: 
    • A-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday) 
    • B-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday) 
    • C-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday) 
    • D-Shift: 5 PM - 5 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)

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.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and 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.