Manufacturing Engineer, Machining (Starship)

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.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, MACHINING (STARSHIP) 

As an engineer at SpaceX, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will work on hardware that will deliver satellites into earth orbit, ferry humans to and from the international space station, and ultimately extend humanity’s reach beyond the earth and moon. You will own the relationship between our engineering and production teams. You will provide input into the design and development of new and existing hardware and take a lead role in manufacturing and integration within production on our current and next generation vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop machining capability in-house for the SpaceX Starship components team and deliver high-quality precision piece parts to factory assembly areas
• Analyze piece parts and assemblies for DFM to ensure that the parts are optimized for manufacturing, assembly and testing
• Maintain a close feedback loop with downstream operations to ensure product success and implement rapid iterations
• Review quality concerns from piece part inspection and sign off on out of tolerance conditions following a rigorous investigation into the parts use case, assembly and testing
• Identify, recommend, procure, and install machine shop equipment as well as ensure all equipment is thoroughly maintained and calibrated
• Responsible for cost optimization and cost reduction initiatives associated with fabrication and processes
• Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing and fabrication methodologies and techniques
• Recommend and implement improvements and/or modifications in sequence of operations and equipment utilization
• Collaborate with other SpaceX machine shop facilities to share capabilities and develop resources to address capacity and scheduling issues as necessary

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics 
• 1+ years of machine shop experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree
• Experience setting up and operating state-of-the art machining equipment
• Well versed in standard machine shop manufacturing processes and set ups
• Experience operating CNCs, conventional lathe and mill machines, and other machine shop equipment used to manufacture high-precision parts
• Demonstrated proficiency in CNC programming (lathes and mills)
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection procedures
• Highly experienced with a variety of precision conventional and advance metrology systems (photogrammetry, CMMs, 3D imaging)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Available to work long hours and weekends as needed 
• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
• Lift/Carry: Up to 25bs. (unassisted) 1-2 hours per day

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay range:    
Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year    
Level II: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00/per year    
    
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].