Kiln Technician, Thermal Hardware (Starship)

KILN TECHNICIAN, THERMAL HARDWARE (STARSHIP)

The Kiln Technician is a hands-on, shop-floor role in a fast-paced, high-cadence production environment where reliability and execution directly impact Starship's tile output. This position focuses on the day-to-day operation, monitoring, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of kilns and related equipment used to process raw materials into finished heat shield tiles. The Kiln Technician executes established procedures, performs preventive maintenance tasks, monitors kiln parameters in real time, loads/unloads materials, logs data, and ensures safe, consistent operation to support production targets. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team while identifying and escalating issues that require specialist or engineering support. This is a highly operational, hands-on position focused on executing daily tasks that keep the kilns running reliably, minimize downtime, and maintain quality standards through consistent hands-on work. Constant interaction with production technicians in different cells will require this technician to have both a strong understanding of the manufacturing maintenance system and the ability to execute the actions required to bring machinery reliability to high standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate kilns and supporting equipment (conveyors, transport system, loaders, atmosphere controls, burners, etc) daily following standard work instructions and safety protocols
• Perform routine monitoring of kiln parameters including temperature zones, atmosphere, pressure, and cycle times; log data accurately and report deviations immediately
• Conduct daily walk-downs, visual inspections, and basic cleaning/lubrication of kiln components such as heating elements, seals, belts, rollers, and sensors
• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM), calibration checks, minor part replacements, and tool/fixture preparation
• Actively work on transportation systems, motors, alignment, and mechanical work required to keep the system healthy
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic operational issues (e.g., alarms, uneven heating, conveyor jams) using established procedures and escalate complex problems to the Specialist or Engineer
• Champion proper use of maintenance tickets by documenting issues clearly and completing assigned corrective actions promptly
• Assist with kiln changeovers, setup, and recovery from stops or crashes by following detailed recovery instructions
• Support production quality investigations by providing detailed observations from daily operations and assisting with containment or rework as directed
• Maintain a clean and organized work area; ensure tools, PPE, and spare parts are properly stored and available for immediate use
• Participate in team huddles, report daily equipment status, and contribute basic improvement ideas based on hands-on experience
• Follow all safety protocols including lock-out/tag-out, hot work permits, and proper material handling for high-temperature environments

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or related field
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, machinery, and basic troubleshooting
• Direct experience operating or maintaining kilns, dryers, or high-temperature industrial equipment in ceramics, aerospace materials, or high-volume manufacturing
• Familiarity with reading gauges, interpreting alarms/trends, and using basic HMI interfaces
• Understanding of preventive maintenance principles, spare parts management, and 5S/Lean workplace practices
• Experience with safety systems, PPE usage, and working in hot or physically demanding environments
• Knowledge of basic quality tools (root cause basics, following control plans, documenting nonconformances)
• Prior exposure to processes such as CNC support, material handling, assembly, or thermal processing of composites/ceramics
• Strong team player with good communication skills and reliability in shift-based work

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and overtime as needed to support high-rate production
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and work in hot, noisy environments with proper PPE
• Must be able to climb ladders/stairs and perform tasks in confined or elevated areas when required