Crane Operator

Crane Operator

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.

As a crane operator at our Texas Test Site, you will help fill a critical need to achieve future test and launch goals and contribute to our Starship and Falcon programs. You will lift and precisely place unique loads such as flight hardware, ground support equipment, and construction materials while operating rough terrain (RT), crawler, lattice, and hydraulic cranes, performing complex lifts, inspections, maintenance, rigging management, and support for fabrication and test teams.

Responsibilities

• Lift and precisely place unique, irreplaceable loads with cranes, including flight hardware, ground support equipment, and construction materials
• Tilt, turn, and flip suspended loads to maneuver over, under, and/or around obstacles using multipoint suspension techniques
• Operate a variety of cranes, including rough terrain (RT), crawler, lattice, and hydraulic
• Evaluate and safely perform complicated lifts, including high weight/height, unknown center of gravity, or multiple cranes
• Perform daily and monthly inspections and maintenance on cranes and mobile equipment
• Inspect, procure, and replace lifting and rigging equipment for the site
• Assist the fabrication and test teams with overhead crane operations
• Assist with rigging, driving forklifts, and other tasks as needed while not operating cranes

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Crane Operator Certification
• 5+ years of experience operating crawler cranes and hydraulic cranes; or 2+ years of crane operation experience with 3+ years of experience as a certified rigger

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of rigging experience as a certified rigger
• Experience with delicate lifting operations (e.g., in wind farms, power plants, or oil refineries) is highly preferred
• Experience with teardown and assembly of rough terrain and mobile lattice crawler cranes
• NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) rigging certification
• NCCCO certifications: Lattice boom crane (LAT), telescopic boom cranesswing-cab (TLL), telescopic boom cranesfixed-cab (TSS), rigger level 1 (RIG-1)
• Understanding of all rigging equipmentshackles, straps, slings, rope, hoists, etc.
• Ability to calculate and determine appropriate lifting equipment
• Strong working knowledge of lifting signals and communications
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities in a fast-paced, challenging work environment

Additional Requirements

• Ability to perform job duties requiring standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand-over-hand
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted and work on ladders/lifts at elevated heights
• Typically requires work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Work in environments with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Valid driver's license

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.