Production Operations Engineer (Starship)

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.

PRODUCTION OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

As a Production Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for leading functional checkouts and hazardous testing of Starship/Super Heavy vehicles to validate propellant, electrical, and integrated systems against design intent. Your role will focus on establishing test criteria and pass/fail requirements, developing first-article procedures, performing pressurized and sensor checkouts, and driving real-time troubleshooting plus feedback to eliminate repeat issues. You will work daily with engineering and technician teams in the field while continuously improving testing efficiency, safety, and overall vehicle readiness.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly support functional checkouts of Starship/Superheavy vehicles

Establish test criteria and pass/fail requirements for integrated vehicle checkouts

Work improvements to testing efficiency and safety of vehicle testing

Lead hazardous testing operations to validate vehicle build and ensure propellant and electrical systems are built per design intent

Perform pressurized checkouts as well as electrical/sensor checkouts via control console

Develop procedures and processes for ‘first-article’ validation

Troubleshoot hardware issues real-time, and drive feedback to correct owners to eliminate repeat issues

Interface with both engineering and technicians in the field

Develop deep understanding of vehicle construction and avionics/propulsion architecture

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

2+ years of project and/or professional experience with fluid systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Advanced degree in mechanical engineering

Experience working in a fast-paced environment

Experience creating, reading, and interpreting electrical and fluid schematics

Systems engineering experience, ability to understand multi-disciplinary integrated systems

Hands-on build experience

Familiar with fluids system component functionality as well as electrical system operation (low voltage and high voltage)

Previous fluids or data acquisition design

Real-time operations/integrated hazardous test experience

Experience using and troubleshooting ground control systems required for remote operations and instrumentation feedback

Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers

Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment

Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to travel to our launch sites in support of build out activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%

Must be able to work all shifts, extended hours and weekends as needed

Stand: Up to 3 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day

Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day

Walk: Up to 3 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day

Kneel/Crouch: N/A

Upper body twist: N/A

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 30 minutes per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

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] .