Manager, Utilities Engineering and Operations

About the role

In this pivotal position, you will be responsible for overseeing the engineering, construction, and maintenance of essential utility infrastructure at SpaceX's manufacturing facility located in Bastrop, Texas. Your leadership will be crucial in ensuring the uninterrupted and reliable supply of power, water, and gas systems, which are vital for supporting continuous, mission-critical production operations around the clock.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead a diverse team comprising engineers, technicians, and operators to effectively manage the utility infrastructure across the site.
• Supervise the distribution of electrical power, including high-voltage switchgear, backup generation systems, and solar energy solutions.
• Oversee the management of industrial water systems, which includes treatment processes, ultrapure water production, and the operation of cooling towers.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations by managing wastewater collection systems, stormwater management, and other related activities.
• Direct the natural gas infrastructure, focusing on high-pressure pipelines and safety regulation compliance.
• Execute capital projects and infrastructure expansions in alignment with the ramp-up schedules of manufacturing operations.
• Design and implement both preventive and predictive maintenance programs aimed at maximizing system uptime and reliability.
• Manage operational budgets, implement energy conservation initiatives, and oversee vendor contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct thorough root cause analyses for any utility-related incidents and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, electrical, or environmental engineering is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in the fields of industrial utilities engineering, operations, or maintenance is essential.
• At least 4 years of direct leadership experience managing technical teams in environments that operate 24/7 is necessary.
• Candidates must be comfortable working at heights and in various outdoor conditions, including extreme temperatures and precipitation.
• Availability for extended hours, weekends, and on-call emergency response is expected.
• A valid driver's license is required for this position.

Nice to have

• Previous experience with central utility plants in rapidly growing industrial environments would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, Building Management Systems (BMS), and automated control platforms is a plus.
• A background in environmental permitting for industrial wastewater and air emissions would be beneficial.
• Experience in mission-critical industries such as aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing is desirable.
• Proven ability to manage capital projects with budgets in the multi-million-dollar range is a strong asset.
• Proficiency in interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), utility flow diagrams, and single-line electrical schematics is preferred.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in utility infrastructure management is essential for this role.
• Strong capabilities in executing capital projects efficiently and effectively.
• Experience in developing and implementing predictive maintenance programs to enhance operational reliability.
• Proficient in conducting root cause analysis to identify and rectify utility issues.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and compliance regulations is critical.

Practical notes

• This role is subject to ITAR regulations, which means candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
• Occasional travel may be necessary as part of the job responsibilities.
• The position may involve exposure to various environmental factors such as noise, fumes, and odors, which candidates should be prepared for.

In summary, the Manager of Utilities Engineering and Operations at SpaceX is a vital role that combines technical expertise with leadership skills to ensure the smooth operation of essential utility systems. If you are a qualified candidate with a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence in utility management, we encourage you to apply and join our mission to revolutionize space technology.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.