Operations Engineer

About the role

Join the Starlight Megafactory team as an Operations Engineer to oversee and optimize the daily manufacturing operations of our space solar production facility. This factory plays a critical role in powering satellites and supporting Starpath's lunar and Martian hardware initiatives. You will be responsible for designing and implementing workflows, staffing plans, and operational systems that enable the factory to meet production goals efficiently and reliably. Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams, you will identify opportunities for process improvements, ensure safety standards, and help scale production capacity to support Starpath's ambitious space hardware projects. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space manufacturing in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop, implement, and manage manufacturing workflows covering all stages from raw material intake to final shipment, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
• Plan shift structures, staffing levels, and factory layouts to optimize throughput, meet production schedules, and achieve cost targets.
• Create, monitor, and analyze factory performance metrics such as throughput, yield, and defect rates, then lead initiatives to improve these key indicators.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, and test engineering teams to troubleshoot operational issues, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Manage factory scheduling, work order flow, and production planning tools, coordinating with IT support to ensure systems are accurate and reliable.
• Develop standard operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials for operators and technicians to ensure consistency and safety across the factory floor.
• Lead investigations into production problems, root cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce downtime and defects.
• Support new product introductions and scaling efforts by coordinating with engineering, supply chain, and production teams to ensure smooth ramp-up and transition.
• Work with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) teams to promote safety, ergonomics, and contamination control practices on the factory floor.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and eliminate unnecessary overhead, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including export controls and ITAR requirements, ensuring all operations adhere to legal and safety standards.
• Assist in developing and maintaining factory documentation, including process maps, work instructions, and operational reports.
• Support the integration of new manufacturing technologies and automation solutions to enhance productivity and quality.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to align production goals with engineering development and supply chain planning.
• Provide training and mentorship to operators and technicians to foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and report on key operational metrics regularly, providing insights and recommendations to management for strategic decision-making.
• Maintain a proactive approach to identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure consistent factory performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or higher degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations or manufacturing engineering within a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven experience in developing and managing manufacturing workflows, production schedules, and staffing plans.
• Ability to analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement data-driven improvements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a track record of resolving complex operational issues.
• Strong communication skills, capable of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing factory safety programs and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Familiarity with production planning systems, MES, ERP, and shop-floor data collection tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of manufacturing documentation, process control, and quality assurance practices.
• Willingness to work on-site in Hawthorne, CA, and support occasional factory activities outside regular hours if needed.

Nice to have

• Master's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related discipline.
• Experience in high-volume hardware manufacturing, such as aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, or semiconductor industries.
• Proven track record of establishing new production lines or scaling manufacturing capacity in a high-tech environment.
• Proficiency with lean manufacturing tools such as value stream mapping, kaizen, 5S, kanban, SMED, and DMAIC.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Familiarity with production planning systems, MES, ERP, and shop-floor data acquisition systems.
• Experience using SQL, Python, or other data analysis tools to inform operational decisions.
• Knowledge of GD&T, DFM/DFA, and manufacturing process design principles.
• Understanding of cleanroom operations, contamination control, and high-precision assembly processes.
• Exposure to aerospace, space, or other high-reliability hardware environments.

Skills & tools

• Lean manufacturing principles and practices
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Production planning systems and tools
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• SQL and Python for data analysis
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
• DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturing/Assembly)

Practical notes

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or otherwise eligible to obtain necessary U.S. Department of State export authorizations due to U.S. Government export regulations. Occasional travel to other facilities or sites may be required. The company offers a competitive salary, equity options, paid time off, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage. Candidates should be prepared to work on-site in Hawthorne, CA, and support factory activities as needed. The role involves working in a high-tech manufacturing environment with strict safety and quality standards.