Manufacturing Engineer, Tool & Die Machining (Starlink)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, TOOL & DIE MACHINING (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

Working directly in the materials engineering group, this position is responsible for managing a technical project for the development and qualification of all equipment, tooling and manufacturing process technologies necessary to produce plastic injection molds and high pressure die cast tools. The correct individual will bring an open mindset, challenge the status quo with regards to traditional vs. emerging technologies and utilize a logical and disciplined approach to evaluate and select the correct set of solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop machining capability in-house for the tool & die team and deliver high-quality precision piece parts required to build internal tooling

Analyze piece parts and assemblies for DFM to ensure that the parts are optimized for manufacturing and assembly

Create collaborative business plans with design engineering, upstream production, and support teams and develop and maintain positive supplier/customer relationships

Work between manufacturing and design engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to ensure processes are robust and any production problems are quickly solved

Implement machining process controls that allow parts to run ‘lights out’. Leverage latest technologies and programming strategies to reduce in-cycle intervention

Identify, recommend, procure, and install machine shop equipment as well as ensure all equipment is thoroughly maintained and calibrated

Responsible for cost optimization and cost reduction initiatives associated with fabrication and processes

Continually develop and manage engineering capacity, schedules, and project plans in order to support production manifest as well as a diverse and variable R&D demand

Research and identify new materials, manufacturing technologies and finishing options

Inform estimations of prototype and production manufacturing costs - tooling, secondary assembly, secondary finishing and piece part

Publish and maintain detailed schedules for each development project segment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials engineering, or other engineering discipline

3+ years of experience with CNC machining

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline

Strong to expert level 3D CAD skills, including advanced surfacing and large assemblies

Experience with Siemens NX

Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing and scaling to high volume as part of a cross-functional team

Experience with manufacturing process like injection molding, CNC, die casting, stamping, assembly, and box build in a production setting and a good understanding of the costs and schedule and complexity associated with each process

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods of time (~15% travel normally, more during urgent manufacturing and test campaigns)

Ability to lift up to 25Ibs unassisted

Standing/walking for long periods of time

Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns

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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 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 [email protected] .