Transport Technician

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.

TRANSPORT TECHNICIAN

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the safe transport of flight hardware and modules between SpaceX facilities (Hawthorne, CA; McGregor, TX; Cape Canaveral, FL; and Vandenberg, CA), including all transit and hand-off operations
• Supervise the entire transport crew, including SpaceX logistics technicians, tiller operators, spotters, and contracted vendors (truck drivers, pole car operators, and escorts)
• Review all transportation documentation (permits, route surveys, height checklists, pre-trip and post-trip inspections) prior to departure and develop contingency plans to mitigate risk
• Travel with assigned flight hardware at all times during long-haul transports
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all in-transit decisions, including route adjustments, repairs, additional escorts, or driver changes
• Provide technical input on Department of Transportation (DOT) and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements to the Logistics and Manufacturing teams for the continuous improvement of transport hardware, procedures, and processes
• Utilize heavy equipment (forklifts, spotters, overhead cranes) to safely load, unload, and stage flight hardware and ground support equipment
• Coordinate with the master production schedule (MPS) to ensure required resources, personnel, and transport equipment are available and aligned with program needs
• Oversee the completion and quality of all daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, security briefings, permit reviews, and procedural documentation
• Develop and maintain work instructions, transport procedures, and best practices in collaboration with logistics leadership
• Track and report key performance metrics, including on-time delivery, safety incidents, and transport efficiency
• Identify and implement improvements to transportation systems, processes, and hardware to increase safety, reliability, and efficiency
• Identify various lifting hardware (shackles, slings, chain hoists, wire ropes, D-rings, web straps)
• Assist with planning and performing lift procedures
• Assist with crane operations and rigging under supervision
• Assist in maintaining transport equipment and materials needed for operational success

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working with load transport and inventory processes
• 1+ years of hands-on experience with preparing loads, rigging, and packaging

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1+ years of hands-on experience with overhead cranes and general lifting procedures
• Knowledge and experience in transport equipment (tractor and trailer) design and maintenance
• Experience with scheduling and production work instructions to manufacture hardware
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience working with and troubleshooting high-pressure systems
• Experience working in a challenging and fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed based on operational needs; flexibility required
• Must be available to travel up to 40% of the time
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be bridge (overhead) crane certified within the first 180 days
• Ability to successfully pass U.S. Air Force background checks required for access to Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Vandenberg, California
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted and perform physical activities such as stooping, bending, crawling, and maneuvering in tight or confined spaces
• Ability to safely work in confined spaces and operate heavy equipment and machinery

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  [email protected].