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Operations Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Bastrop, TX
Full Time On-site

SpaceX demands a new type of supply chain as we drive towards humanity on Mars. We require our suppliers to provide premium quality with rapidly evolving designs at increasingly ambitious volumes. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools and have unrelenting motivation to enable suppliers for success. This position will support our Starmind program and requires a combination of proven leadership and technical capabilities.

This is a highly technical position that requires practical experience in manufacturing engineering and new product. The ideal candidate will have a broad and thorough understanding of component fabrication methodologies including machining, finishing, forming, welding, inspections, and other associated processes. You will work at the boundary between our engineering teams and our supply base, turning demanding internal specifications into capable, repeatable external manufacturing processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support documentation of production line parameters, standard operating procedures, and known failure modes
  • Assist in the ownership of floor layouts, capacity studies, and product flow analysis to ensure on-time product delivery
  • Assist in defining acceptance criteria and setting up inspection checkpoints as production volume increases
  • Support root-cause investigations on recurring defects and help track corrective actions to closure
  • Help translate production schedules into material needs and monitor supplier lead times, flagging potential shortages
  • Track inventory and safety stock levels for critical components and report discrepancies
  • Assist in coordinating with facility and MEP teams to stay informed on construction updates affecting production plans
  • Help maintain documentation for production and quality systems, including manufacturing execution, inventory management, and material traceability records
  • Assist production/engineering leadership team to identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability
  • Act as a communication link between the engineering team and production technicians, helping translate technical requirements into clear floor-level instructions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Manufacturing, Design or Supply Chain Experience
  • Project management experience, particularly related to creating or overhauling cross-functional business processes
  • Experience working with engineering or infrastructure projects across multiple disciplines
  • Experience working with AutoCAD or Revit models
  • Knowledge of database structures and SQL
  • Understanding of lean engineering and Six Sigma concepts and their application
  • Experience with production automation and tooling
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience analyzing large datasets and communicating conclusions
  • Experience supporting production of complex electro-mechanical systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up
  • Ability to identify customer needs, gather requirements, and execute independently
  • Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends when needed to meet major milestones
  • Some travel may be required

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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