Question
5-10

Crane Operator

3/5/2026

The Crane Operator will be responsible for lifting and precisely placing unique and irreplaceable loads, including flight hardware and construction materials, using various types of cranes. This involves maneuvering suspended loads using multipoint suspension techniques and performing daily/monthly inspections and maintenance on equipment.

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

1,001-5,000 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

No

About The Company
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA. For more information, visit www.spacex.com.
About the Role

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.

CRANE OPERATOR

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 cranes—swing-cab (TLL), telescopic boom cranes—fixed-cab (TSS), rigger level 1 (RIG-1)
  • Understanding of all rigging equipment—shackles, 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
  • 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
  • Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
  • 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com

Key Skills
Crane OperationLiftingRiggingNCCCO CertificationCrawler CranesHydraulic CranesRough Terrain CranesLattice CranesInspectionsMaintenanceForklift DrivingLifting SignalsLoad ManeuveringFabrication AssistanceTest AssistanceClimbing
Categories
TradesConstructionEngineeringManufacturingLogistics
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