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Critical Lift & Transport Technician (Launch)

Join SpaceX as a Critical Lift & Transport Technician to support the movement of flight hardware and ground support equipment.

Location
Vandenberg, CA, United States
Compensation
$33–$52/hr
Level
mid
Type
full time · On-site

Posted by employer 3 days ago

First seen on Joblaze 1 day ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

What you'll build

  • Move Falcon 9 stages and associated ground support equipment
  • Perform preventative maintenance on mobile cranes and SPMTs
  • Evaluate in-transit risks and provide on-site solutions
  • Pack and organize shipping fixtures for return
  • Troubleshoot operational issues on vehicle pressure systems

Must have

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of professional experience in Critical Lift or Heavy Haul

Nice to have

  • 2+ years of experience with SPMTs operations
  • 2+ years of experience in rigging with mobile hydraulic and/or crawler cranes
  • NCCCO/NCCER certifications in crane and rigging
  • Commercial driver’s license A with hazmat endorsement
  • Associate degree in aerospace technology

Practical constraints

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check
  • Ability to work Monday - Friday 6:00pm - 4:30pm
  • Able to lift 35 lbs. unassisted
  • Able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet)
  • Able to work in confined spaces

Requirements

Experience
1–2 years
Education
High school
Visa
No sponsorship (stated in posting)

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

The Critical Lift & Transport Technician at SpaceX is responsible for the safe movement and maintenance of Falcon 9 stages, payloads, and ground support equipment across various sites. This role requires proficiency in operating heavy machinery, including cranes and transporters, along with a strong background in critical lift operations and rigging. Ideal candidates have at least two years of relevant experience and are comfortable working in fast-paced environments, particularly within aerospace or heavy haul sectors. The position involves collaboration with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure high-quality transport processes.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed yesterday — first seen on Joblaze October 17, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 17, 2026.

Quick facts

Is the Critical Lift & Transport Technician (Launch) role remote?
No — this is an on-site role in Vandenberg, CA, United States.
What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $33–$52 for this role.
How much experience is required?
1–2 years of relevant experience for this Critical Lift & Transport Technician (Launch) role.
Where is the role based?
SpaceX is hiring for this position in Vandenberg, CA, United States.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Critical Lift & Transport Technician (Launch) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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.

CRITICAL LIFT & TRANSPORT TECHNICIAN (LAUNCH)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for Falcon 9 stages, Payload, Dragon capsule and associated ground support equipment (GSE) movement across Vandenberg Space Force Base and Long Beach
  • Perform preventative maintenance on mobile cranes, cranes, and SPMTs
  • Work with a team of technicians and engineers to ensure transport systems and equipment are maintained with the highest level of quality to support current and future manifests
  • Utilize heavy machinery (forklift, telescopic, overhead crane) to lift and move flight hardware and associated GSE after delivery and prior to shipping
  • Evaluate in-transit risks and provide on-site solutions to alleviate risk. Including: routes, repairs, escorts, and drivers – includes physical escorts across launch sites
  • Pack up and organize cross-country shipping fixtures and associated hardware for return to the respective shipping site
  • Perform preventative maintenance and repair of shipping fixtures and GSE
  • Organize, procure, and maintain tools needed to offload and pack up flight hardware
  • Develop, document, and coordinate work instructions with the management team to ensure efficient packaging of flight hardware and equipment is maintained
  • Perform route surveys prior to scheduled flight hardware moves
  • Make recommendations to management to improve the health, timing, and safety of all movements
  • Use various mechanical tools without instruction
  • Troubleshoot operational issues found on vehicle pressure systems
  • Maintain and install fluid system components from a schematic or drawing including ball and check valves, pressure regulator and gauges, etc.
  • Set up, inspect, operate and perform maintenance on hydraulic self-propelled modular transporters, hydraulic booms and crawler cranes.
  • Perform tear down and assembly of different configurations associated with Cranes and SPMTs
  • Core traits that empower this success are strong written and oral communication skills, a meticulous attention to detail, an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, adherence to corporate policies and standards, and the ability to work with a team

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of professional experience in Critical Lift or Heavy Haul

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Must be well organized and able to multi-task, detail oriented while also working within time constraints and deadlines
  • 2+ years of experience with SPMTs operations and/or hydraulic lift trailers
  • 2+ years of experience in rigging with mobile hydraulic and/or crawler cranes for delicate lifting (ex. wind farms, power plants, oil refineries)
  • NCCCO/NCCER certifications in crane, rigging, ironworking and heavy equipment operations (ex. TLL, TSS, LAT, OVR, RIG-I-II, SGP)
  • Commercial driver’s license A with hazmat endorsement
  • Excels at operating in an extremely fast paced and dynamic environment (schedules fluctuate often)
  • Associate degree in aerospace technology or equivalent area of study
  • Experience within aerospace or automotive production
  • Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex fluid and mechanical systems
  • Familiarity with calibrated measurement devices including load cells, multimeters, calipers, torque wrenches, depth gauges, and micrometers
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base
  • Ability to work the following shift, overtime, and weekends as needed:
    • Monday - Friday 6:00pm - 4:30pm
  • Able to lift 35 lbs. unassisted
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • Able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet), including the use of ladder
  • Willing to operate heavy machinery such as forklifts and overhead cranes
  • Able to work in confined spaces
  • Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, ice
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
  • Able to and available for travel (up to 20% of time), including military and government installations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $33.00 - $41.75
Level 2: $37.50 - $47.25
Level 3: $41.75 - $52.75

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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.