Manager, Starship Build

About the role

In this pivotal position, you will lead the production operations for the Starship program, managing a team of up to 120 technicians across two shifts. Your focus will be on the assembly, repair, and integration processes, where you will need to effectively navigate complex engineering challenges while adhering to tight production schedules. This role is crucial for ensuring that the Starship is built to the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee a team of more than 40 employees per shift, with the potential to manage a total of 120 across two shifts, ensuring optimal productivity and morale.
• Lead all aspects of production, including the assembly, modification, and repair of Starship components, ensuring that quality standards and delivery timelines are consistently met.
• Proactively identify and address non-conformance issues, while continuously improving work instructions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Manage labor hours, overtime, and plan equipment capacity to align with production needs and goals.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to minimize production downtime and streamline processes.
• Monitor and control material costs, implementing strategies to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for team members, while enforcing safety and operational policies to maintain a secure work environment.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team members to contribute ideas for enhancing production processes.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards, maintaining a high level of operational integrity.
• Prepare and present reports on production metrics and team performance to upper management.
• Act as a liaison between various departments to ensure seamless communication and collaboration throughout the production process.
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements to incorporate best practices into the production workflow.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in an engineering field or a minimum of 2 years of experience in a supervisory or management role within a production environment.
• At least 2 years of management experience, demonstrating the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing or aerospace industries, particularly with airframes or launch vehicles.
• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and across all shifts as required by production demands.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs, and perform tasks that involve climbing, kneeling, crouching, and working at heights of up to 500 feet.
• Capability to work in environments with temperatures exceeding 80 degrees for extended periods, typically over 6 hours daily.
• Must be able to pass Air Force background checks for access to Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral facilities.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined under ITAR regulations.

Nice to have

• Previous experience working at SpaceX, bringing familiarity with company culture and processes.
• Experience in transitioning teams and processes from development phases to full-scale production.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, cable layouts, and mechanical drawings.
• Safety certifications or previous training experience that enhances team safety practices.
• Background in lean manufacturing methodologies and cost management strategies.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in capacity planning and production scheduling to optimize workflow.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles to drive efficiency.
• Ability to review and interpret technical documentation effectively.
• Proven skills in personnel management, including staffing and team development.

Practical notes

• The role may require travel up to 10% of the time for various operational needs.
• Must be capable of operating heavy machinery and using air-purifying respirators as necessary.
• A pre-employment physical examination or medical questionnaire may be required to ensure fitness for the role.

This opportunity at SpaceX is not just a job; it's a chance to be part of a groundbreaking team that is redefining space travel. If you are passionate about aerospace and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply and join us in our mission to make life multi-planetary.

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.