Automation Build Engineer, Development

About the role

Join the Development Operations team to lead significant projects focused on optimizing fabrication and integration. You will standardize procedures and enhance efficiency within the shop, for internal clients, and with external partners. This role involves coordinating across multiple teams to drive improvements in workflow and meet program milestones. The position requires a proactive individual who thrives in a systems engineering environment where process improvement is the primary deliverable. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between design intent and shop floor execution. Success in this role is defined by your ability to streamline operations and remove bottlenecks in the production workflow. The focus is on building scalable and repeatable solutions for hardware manufacturing challenges. You will own the end-to-end execution of automation projects from concept to handover.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Interface directly with automation, supply chain, production, and development operations to synchronize factory infrastructure deployment with program timelines.
• Generate and implement innovative manufacturing processes and workflows to elevate shop throughput, efficiency, and personnel safety.
• Oversee the complete lifecycle of modular automation assets, handling material procurement, construction, configuration, installation, and final handover.
• Partner with engineering and support teams to integrate design updates driven by manufacturing issues, part obsolescence, and evolving system requirements.
• Author comprehensive engineering documentation for development-to-production transitions, detailing assembly procedures, integration instructions, and manufacturing bills of materials.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal vendors to ensure the production of piece parts and sub-assemblies meets required throughput rates.
• Provide subject matter expertise during design reviews, emphasizing design for manufacturability, reliability, maintenance, supplier capabilities, and quality control.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and execute programs that support departmental objectives without compromising product quality.
• Architect, develop, validate, and deploy tooling solutions specifically designed to enhance repeatability and operational efficiency.
• Act as the central contact for non-conforming products, conducting troubleshooting, root cause analysis, failure investigations, and implementing corrective actions.
• Establish and lead the development of training programs for build technicians to improve team capability and productivity.
• Question and refine existing methodologies to support SpaceX's aggressive objectives for innovation and execution.
• Coordinate with external vendors to validate fabrication processes and ensure compliance with stringent quality standards.
• Utilize analytical skills to interpret production data and adjust workflows for maximum efficiency and safety compliance.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Possess 2+ years of experience in design, manufacturing, or production of mechanical or electrical hardware systems, which may include internship and collegiate extracurricular engineering project experience.
• Demonstrate willingness to work extended hours or overtime as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or be eligible to obtain the necessary U.S. Department of State authorizations.
• Maintain the ability to pass background checks and security screenings as required for the position.
• Adhere to strict compliance with company policies, safety procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Show capability to follow detailed engineering drawings and procedural documents accurately.
• Apply basic engineering principles to solve problems related to manufacturing processes and production issues.

Nice to have

• Accumulate 2+ years of experience implementing design for manufacture principles for electromechanical systems.
• Accumulate 2+ years of professional experience in the design or production of mechanical or electronics hardware systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to create and deliver presentations for design and manufacturing readiness reviews.
• Have experience transitioning products from the design phase into manufacturing within a fast-paced, iterative development environment.
• Show a history of designing tooling in a manufacturing environment.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving skills, whether working independently or as part of a collaborative team.
• Maintain excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills & tools

• Utilize 3D CAD software such as NX, Catia, or Solidworks for part and assembly modeling.
• Apply DFMEA and PFMEA methodology to identify and mitigate potential failure modes.
• Implement SPC (Statistical Process Control) to monitor and control manufacturing processes.
• Leverage SQL databases for managing and querying production data.

Practical notes

Travel to outside vendors may be required, with an estimated frequency of up to 10%.