About this opportunity
SpaceX lists this Kiln Technician, Thermal Hardware (Starship) opportunity in cape canaveral, Florida. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Kiln Technician, Thermal Hardware (Starship)Cape Canaveral, FLSpaceX 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.Kiln Technician, Thermal Hardware (Starship)The Kiln Technician is a hands-on, shop-floor role in a fast-paced, high-cadence production environment where reliability and execution directly impact Starship's tile output. This position focuses on the day-to-day operation, monitoring, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of kilns and related equipment used to process raw materials into finished heat shield tiles. The Kiln Technician executes established procedures, performs preventive maintenance tasks, monitors kiln parameters in real time, loads/unloads materials, logs data, and ensures safe, consistent operation to support production targets. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team while identifying and escalating issues that require specialist or engineering support. This is a highly operational, hands-on position focused on executing daily tasks that keep the kilns running reliably, minimize downtime, and maintain quality standards through consistent hands-on work. Constant interaction with production technicians in different cells will require this technician to have both a strong understanding of the manufacturing maintenance system and the ability to execute the actions required to bring machinery reliability to high standards.Responsibilities:Operate kilns and supporting equipment daily following standard work instructions and safety protocolsPerform routine monitoring of kiln parameters including temperature zones, atmosphere, pressure, and cycle times; log data accurately and report deviations immediatelyConduct daily walk-downs, visual inspections, and basic cleaning/lubrication of kiln components such as heating elements, seals, belts, rollers, and sensorsExecute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM), calibration checks, minor part replacements, and tool/fixture preparationActively work on transportation systems, motors, alignment, and mechanical work required to keep the system healthyTroubleshoot and resolve basic operational issues (e.g., alarms, uneven heating, conveyor jams) using established procedures and escalate complex problems to the Specialist or EngineerChampion proper use of maintenance tickets by documenting issues clearly and completing assigned corrective actions promptlyAssist with kiln changeovers, setup, and recovery from stops or crashes by following detailed recovery instructionsSupport production quality investigations by providing detailed observations from daily operations and assisting with containment or rework as directedMaintain a clean and organized work area; ensure tools, PPE, and spare parts are properly stored and available for immediate useParticipate in team huddles, report daily equipment status, and contribute basic improvement ideas based on hands-on experienceFollow all safety protocols including lock-out/tag-out, hot work permits, and proper material handling for high-temperature environmentsBasic Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalency certificate2+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or operationsPreferred Skills and Experience:Technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or related fieldDemonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, machinery, and basic troubleshootingDirect experience operating or maintaining kilns, dryers, or high-temperature industrial equipment in ceramics, aerospace materials, or high-volume manufacturingFamiliarity with reading gauges, interpreting alarms/trends, and using basic HMI interfacesUnderstanding of preventive maintenance principles, spare parts management, and 5S/Lean workplace practicesExperience with safety systems, PPE usage, and working in hot or physically demanding environmentsKnowledge of basic quality tools (root cause basics, following control plans, documenting nonconformances)Prior exposure to processes such as CNC support, material handling, assembly, or thermal processing of composites/ceramicsStrong team player with good communication skills and reliability in shift-based workAdditional Requirements:Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape CanaveralAbility to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and overtime as needed to support high-rate productionAbility to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and work in hot, noisy environments with proper PPEMust be able to climb ladders/stairs and perform tasks in confined or elevated areas when requiredITAR 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
Worksite address
cape canaveral, FL, 32920, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.