Not just engineers: SpaceX is hiring workers to sew space suits

How good are you at sewing?

Good enough to “contribute to history by creating space suits” for future SpaceX missions?

Sure, the space exploration company hires plenty of engineers and other STEM-related fields, but billionaire Elon Musk’s company also is looking for some employees outside the science world. Case in point, a job listing for a “space suit sewer.”

The qualifying candidate will create space suits and crew equipment designed with three main goals: to be comfortable, functional and have an innovative design, according to the SpaceX website.

SpaceX often launches rockets from Cape Canaveral with occasional manned missions. On March 3 a crew of four blasted off from the Space Coast wearing those said space suits you could help create.

What are the requirements to sew space suits for SpaceX?

If you’re thinking of applying, you’ll need more than knowing what to do with a needle and thread.

Other requirements include a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, five-plus years of professional sewing experience in industrial apparel manufacturing, aerospace soft goods or theater/costume manufacturing.

The job requires being able to stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, balance and climb.

Applicants also need to be available for extended hours and weekend work and willing to work with a variety of chemicals.

What’s the pay to sew space suits for SpaceX?

The salary to sew space suits for SpaceX is between $70,000 and $90,000 a year.

Pay will be determined on a case-bycase basis and will vary based on jobrelated knowledge and skills, education and experience. The qualifying candidate also will be eligible for company stock options, a 401K plan, health benefits and time off.

To sew space suits for SpaceX, where do you have to live?

The job is located in Hawthorne, California, which is near Los Angeles.

What other jobs are available at SpaceX? Move over, Starbucks

Of course there are numerous engineering-type jobs SpaceX is hiring for, but you may be surprised about some of the other open positions.

Although these jobs are temporary, SpaceX is in need of baristas. There are openings in Cape Canaveral and Texas.

The position, which is either three or six months, pays up to $22.50 an hour. It’s best suited for those “who have superior experience working with coffee, espresso and tea,” the job listing reads.

If you are a licensed real estate agent in Florida, Washington, Texas and/or California, SpaceX has a job for you. The company also is looking for a real estate analyst.

The employee will help identify prospective properties of interest and negotiate lease and own acquisitions. The salary range is $75,000 to $115,000 per year.

Spitzer can be reached at Mspitzer@floridatoday.com.