Operations Engineer (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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

Join an aggressively paced, results-first engineering team at Starbase. We design, build, activate, and improve the fluid systems that fuel Starship. Development is the job: hardware you design can be made, installed, and tested the same day. From tens of thousands of gallons per minute of cryogen to tens of pounds per second of high-pressure gas, you’ll solve real pad problems every day for a demanding launch and test program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with shop and field fabrication teams to identify operational challenges, key process constraints, and opportunities to reduce work scope or implement process improvements - this role includes full ownership of executing these improvements

• Create and maintain software tools and dashboards (Excel, SQL, Python) to empower engineering design teams and scale production of Starship launch infrastructure

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners in flight hardware logistics, supply chain, engineering, operations, production, and launch groups to synchronize efforts

• Develop and maintain tools to track key performance metrics, perform statistical analysis, and support data-driven decision-making to optimize engineering and production processes

• Maintain a tight feedback loop with the launch engineering team and fabrication teams to alter processes and procedures rapidly

• Independently evaluate complex problems and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that best support the program

• Hands-on approach to tackling issues with production or engineering team

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics

• 1+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, test, integration, or launch engineering role

• 1+ years of experience using Excel, SQL, or Python/R for data analysis or project scheduling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with complex and/or low-margin mechanical, structural, fluid, and electronic systems

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment

• Willingness to perform other related duties to ensure an efficient and effective work environment

• Experience with quick thinking and problem-solving in stressful situations

• Experience solving challenges posed by short deadlines

• Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch

• General hands-on experience with machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques is a plus

• Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, verification against a model

• Experience with high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and components

• Collaborative team player, eager to find the best solution while balancing cost and schedule

• Acute attention to detail, ability to see interactions with other systems to avoid problems

• Intermediate skill level using CAD with NX as a plus

• Ability to verify designs with simplified hand calculations

• Creative and passionate approach to addressing opportunities and challenges, and an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive can-do attitude

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent

• Experience with discrete event simulation or modeling tools

• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and other production and process improvement principles

• Prior experience in an industrial or operations engineering role

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in statistics, data analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and root cause analysis

• Advanced Excel skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required

• Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.

• Ability to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

• Working conditions may be in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand

• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassisted

• Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day

• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day

• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

• Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

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.