← Back to results

Toolmaker, R&D (Raptor)

Join SpaceX as a Toolmaker in R&D to fabricate and activate custom tools for Raptor production equipment.

Location
Hawthorne, CA
Compensation
$2.6k–$4.4k/hr
Level
mid
Type
full time · On-site

Posted by employer 2 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 2 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Requirements

Experience
1+ years
Education
High school

Not disclosed in this posting: visa sponsorship.

Benefits

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

Joblaze summary

In this role, the Toolmaker collaborates closely with Raptor Tooling and Automation Engineers to fabricate and activate custom tools essential for Raptor production. Key skills include proficiency in fabrication techniques, metrology, and the ability to interpret complex blueprints, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality standards. This position is ideal for individuals with at least a year of relevant experience, particularly those with a mechanical background and a knack for troubleshooting. The dynamic environment at SpaceX requires adaptability and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze August 1, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
  • GD&T appears in 1.3% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States; Electro-mechanical systems appears in 0.1% of 3011 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Toolmaker, R&D (Raptor) role remote?
No — this is an on-site role in Hawthorne, CA.
What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $2,600–$4,400 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Toolmaker, R&D (Raptor) role.
Where is the role based?
SpaceX is hiring for this position in Hawthorne, CA.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Blueprints, CMM, Electro-mechanical systems, GD&T, Machining, Verisurf.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Toolmaker, R&D (Raptor) 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.

TOOLMAKER, R&D (RAPTOR)

Work with the Raptor Tooling and Automation Engineers in fabricating, integrating and activating custom designed tools from simple fixtures to full electro-mechanical robot systems. Hands-on mentality and flexibility are essential for delivering critical Raptor production equipment

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Understand and apply fabrication techniques to deliver production and development tooling
  • Interpret blueprints of varying complexity with a fundamental understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
  • Collect geometric data via metrology equipment through model-based software such as Verisurf. Evaluate analysis for out-of-tolerance conditions, communicating issues to engineering and troubleshooting as required.
  • Apply creative solutions and troubleshooting methods to achieve tool’s form, fit, and functions
  • Ensure operations can be performed safely while meeting SpaceX quality standards
  • Effectively communicate to fabricators, machinists, assemblers, engineers, and other parties as required
  • Cross train with Raptor R&D and Automation and Controls to be able to provide surge support as required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certification
  • 1+ years professional experience with toolmaking or metrology (e.g. performing inspections, using CMMs, portable arms, optics, or laser trackers) or machining (e.g. completing simple components from blueprints, creating blueprints, operating knee mills and gear lathes, using inspection tools, waterjets)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Two-year degree (associate or technical)
  • Experience analyzing data via laser tracker (or equivalent) and generating data reports (experience with Verisurf preferred)
  • Ability to locate components with high precision as defined by engineering provided drawings and models
  • Strong mechanical aptitude, with ability to quickly troubleshoot issues using design & fabrication skillset
  • Ability to visualize and comprehend complex geometries in 3D space, for both small and large scale fabrication tasks
  • Ability to use and learn a variety of software to analyze and communicate pertinent information
  • Demonstrates leadership and dependability
  • Ability to adapt to an extremely dynamic work environment while maintaining a positive attitude
  • Apply diverse thinking and leverage past experience to find solutions to novel problems
  • Ability to maintain the highest level of safety on the job site, striving to always look for ways to improve safety in a dynamic work environment
  • Desire to integrate with teams that can change in size and personnel daily and contribute their skills to its cohesion, and effectiveness
  • Experience operating conventional and/or portable mills and lathes or boring bars
  • Experience with reading electrical and pneumatic schematics
  • Experience with overhead bridge cranes, gantries, mobile cranes and other lifting devices. Familiarity with best rigging practices and handling large, heavy, and imbalanced components preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Travel to different sites (ex. McGregor) up to 20% of the time
  • Ability to stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 35 lbs. unassisted
  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
  • Work longer shifts, OT and weekends, as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Toolmaker/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour              
Toolmaker/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour              
Toolmaker/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/hour              

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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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

Similar positions

SpaceX
SpaceX
SpaceX
SpaceX
SpaceX