
Paint Technician (Falcon)
Hawthorne, CAFull-time$22–24.5/hrPosted 1 day agoStill listed today
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At a glance
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Job overview
SpaceX is seeking a Paint Technician to work on advanced paint systems for launch vehicles. The role includes preparing metallic substrates, applying sealants and adhesives, maintaining paint-spraying equipment, and using precision measuring tools. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience spraying advanced paint systems. The position may involve extended periods on the production floor, rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
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.
PAINT TECHNICIAN
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Perform mixing, stripping, painting, and detailing of advanced paint systems on launch vehicles.
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Prepare metallic substrates using mechanical abrasion and chemical etchants.
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Mix and apply of sealants and adhesives for structural components.
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Conduct periodic maintenance on various paint spraying equipment (such as gravity-fed, pressure pot, and airless-type).
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Accurately use precision measuring tools such as calipers, elcometers, or ohmmeters.
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Assist with area projects to improve safety, quality, and delivery.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
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High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
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Experience spraying advanced paint systems (epoxies, urethanes, solvent-based paints, and acrylics).
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
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3+ years of industry experience in advanced paint systems.
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Experience in a manufacturing or production environment in the aerospace or aviation industry.
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Ability to interpret electronic work instructions, process specifications, and technical drawings.
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Ability to perform basic shop math (such as geometry and trigonometry).
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Ability to manage accurate mix ratios, cure schedules, and overcoat windows.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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This is a hands-on position that may require standing for extended period and working directly with hardware on the floor.
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Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted.
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Must be comfortable stooping, bending, standing, climbing ladders, or working in tight spaces.
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Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.
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Expected Shift:
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Monday - Friday, rotating Saturdays 3:00PM - 1:30AM
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Able to pass Pulmonary Function Test to obtain respirator certification.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range: Level 1: $22.00 - $24.50 Level 2: $24.50 - $29.00 Level 3: $28.50 - $35.00
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 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:
- 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].
How this job compares
Set against the 2,771 open Manufacturing jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 14, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$22–24.5/hr
- California median$25–33/hr130 hourly ranges
- US median$22–25/hr897 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $23.25/hr, is 20% below the California median midpoint ($29/hr) — in the middle half of Manufacturing hourly ranges in California.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 311 open Manufacturing jobs in California and 2,771 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in California
- Anduril24 open
- Relativity Space15 open
- Accenture14 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 3 years of experience; Manufacturing postings that state a minimum ask for 4 years at the median (1,513 postings).
- Education
- This posting asks for a high school diploma; 1,417 of the 2,771 open Manufacturing jobs (51%) ask for a high school diploma or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 14, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.
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