Telecommunications Technician

TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN

SpaceX technicians work in a complex environment supporting a variety of critical production, launch, and landing activities. The IT network infrastructure team installs and supports the cable infrastructure used for all types of telecommunications in support of our production facilities, launch infrastructure and spacecraft support systems, including the layer 1 fiber and copper data network cabling, operational voice (both wired and wireless systems), video, ground-side vehicle and payload interface RF systems, ground stations, telemetry and optical tracking systems, marine communications, readiness testing, and other systems involved in real-time communications and operations for Falcon, Dragon, Starship and other missions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Install, terminate, test, troubleshoot, and document test results for fiber, network, audio, video, and RF cabling
• Install, test, and troubleshoot audio, video, and RF equipment
• Install cable pathway systems (cable trays, cable racks, J-hooks or D-rings)
• Install, terminate, test, label, and document horizontal, backbone and other cables
• Build out telecommunication and equipment rooms
• Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
• Perform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments
• Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
• Perform complex technical assignments involving communications systems, instrumentation and data acquisition/processing systems
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience installing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing: fiber optics, copper cabling (RF, Ethernet), network and telephony installation, audio/video systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proven ability to install, terminate and test low voltage cables and fiber optical cables to include twisted pair, coaxial, stranded and solid conductor low voltage cables, single mode and multi-mode fiber optical cables
• Strong knowledge of industry standards (BICSI, NEC, TIA/EIA); different types of fiber (MM, SM) for interior and exterior usage; Cat5E, Cat6 and Cat6A data cabling; and cable pathways such as conduit, fire penetrations and cable trays
• Knowledge of the telecom network best practices and concepts including network security, network architecture design, technical standards and deliverables, troubleshooting tools (e.g., line analyzers, breakout boxes, and network traces), software and hardware installation and configuration, network hardware, and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DLC, and ASYNC)
• Working knowledge of audio, video, and wireless systems and corresponding physical means of delivery (i.e. analog, digital, AoIP, VoIP)
• Operational knowledge of oscilloscopes and multi-meters, soldering wires and connectors, various crimping tools, wire stripping techniques, Ohm’s law, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxes
• Experience with DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
• Experience with IP and HD-SDI video cameras and infrastructure
• Comprehension of modern networking architecture and what is necessary for physical layer inter-connectivity
• Experience operating articulating boom lifts, fork lifts, scissor lifts, and other work site machinery

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Ability to distinguish between different colors and possess manual dexterity to complete fine motor tasks
• Ability to work at elevated heights and/or tight spaces
• Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment up to 25 lbs
• Regularly exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work occasionally performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Available to work extended hours, nights and weekends when required by mission milestones
• Ability to travel (~10-25%) as required to other SpaceX locations
• Typical 50 hour work weeks with overtime as required; schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Telecommunications Technician/Level 1: $21.00/hour
Telecommunications Technician/Level 2: $26.00/hour
Telecommunications Technician/Level 3: $31.00/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.