HVAC Specialist

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.

HVAC SPECIALIST (CHILLED WATER/DATA CENTER) - LEVEL 4/5 

As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will help design, build, activate and maintain some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time, and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. As an HVAC Specialist, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will work with other infrastructure engineers, technicians, and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain and repair primarily large-scale chilled water HVAC equipment on facilities systems, including air handlers, condenser pumps, cooling towers, valves, filters, etc. (100 tons and above).
• Maintain critical mechanical infrastructure supporting datacenters and production environments.
• Collaborate with engineers, managers, and customers to maintain systems in peak operating condition, and to develop/update detailed work instructions for proper equipment preventative maintenance dedicated to ensuring zero unplanned interruption in services to employees and customers.
• Perform ductwork modifications, brazing, soldering, evacuation & charging of various refrigerants, water piping, insulation modifications, and repairs.
• Assemble, install, repair, and maintain pipes, fittings, heating, water, and drainage systems according to specifications and plumbing codes.
• Perform hands-on shop work and/or on-site disassembly, inspection, reporting, cleaning, troubleshooting, reassembly, and testing of pumps and other mechanical equipment.
• Ensure work and used materials are in compliance with manufacturer specifications.
• Read and interpret schematics for assembly, repair, and reassembly as required.
• Perform failure assessments and day-to-day safety inspections - making recommendations to the supervisor as required.
• Adjust and fabricate mechanical parts using hand and machine tools for mechanical repairs/upgrades.
• Present information on equipment maintenance statuses for all critical facilities as required for internal and external customers.
• Open, track and resolve electronic work tickets on SpaceX systems.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed as well as determine and manage priorities with minimal guidance.
• Follow and ensure site compliance with all applicable SpaceX, local, state, and federal building codes, regulations, and laws.
• Willing to support as needed

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of professional experience working with large scale industrial chilled water equipment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive work on 100T+ chilled water systems or other large scale industrial cooling equipment. 
• Experience maintaining datacenters and large production cooling plants.
• Degree or certificate in HVAC technology from an accredited technical school or college.
• Knowledge in the following areas: HVAC, electrical safety, pneumatic principles, tubing, pipe-fittings, rotating machinery (pumps, air compressors, etc.), and a variety of mechanical fasteners.
• Experience working with chiller plants, direct outside air supply (DoAS), and air recirculating units (ARU) in industrial or commercial environments.
• Ability to understand schematic diagrams and architectural plans.
• Knowledge and understanding of building management and construction best practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of commercial and industrial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Previous experience with project management and scheduling software.
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Revit.
• Experience with project management of major construction projects including estimating, cost control, schedule, and contractor management.
• Experience reading, reviewing, and approving shop and fabrication drawings, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively.
• Manufacturing facility experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Work hours depend on site priorities and may require overtime hours, weekends and holidays; flexibility required.
• Strong attendance and adhering to the work schedule is essential function of the role.
• Periodic work in extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, wind, rain.
• 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 150 feet), including the use of ladder.
• Must have a valid CA driver’s license.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    

HVAC Specialist/Level 4: $45.50 - $56.00/hour

HVAC Specialist/Level 5: $51.00 - $63.00/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.

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.