Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Operations (Starship)

Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Operations (Starship)Starbase, TXSpaceX 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.At the forefront of SpaceX's mission to make humanity an interplanetary species, Starship is the vehicle that will deliver humans to Mars and beyond. This mechanical engineering role will support production programs through strategic planning, optimization of production processes, and alignment of resources to tasks. We are seeking engineers to lead cross-functional and multidisciplinary initiatives in a fast-paced environment that increase production throughput, optimize material flow, support new product introduction efforts, reduce build hours, and standardize best practices.Responsibilities:Identify, design, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, building/infrastructure, and layout upgrades to meet production, materials management, and site demandDrive improvements to increase production throughput, reduce production build hours and quality issues, and remove waste from complex processesAct as subject matter expert in multiple Starship production processes and systems, enabling complex data gathering, troubleshooting, and problem solvingWork as part of a team to develop, manage, and implement production strategies to mitigate future production risks and seize opportunities to improve output, quality, safety, and costDevelop site and factory design plans that meet production rate targets, involving production line layouts, capacity studies, material flow analyses, building requirements, and facility/utility resourcesDefine new business processes and systems for high volume production, including manufacturing execution, inventory management, nonconformance resolution, configuration management, material traceability, process control, and maintenanceTrain technicians, engineers, and leaders on best-in-class operations practices by driving process improvement workshops, providing training and information briefs on key topics, and demonstrating solutions in the areaConsistently contribute effort, leadership, and creative thinking to solving complex problems in a collaborative fashion and under tight deadlinesCollaborate across disciplines including Production, Engineering, Test, Materials Management, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure efficiency and consistency across the organizationRegularly present findings, improvement opportunities, and project execution to program leadershipBasic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, industrial, or other engineering discipline5+ years of professional experience in production engineering, manufacturing, or industrial project managementPreferred Skills and Experience:Experience with high volume production atmospheres (automotive or similar)Proficiency with CAD programs (Siemens NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Revit, or similar)Proficiency with Lean principles, Six Sigma concepts and applications, creative problem solving and project management methodologiesProficiency with statistics, data analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and visualization tools such as Power BI or similarExperience with inventory, production, and capacity planning (including MRP/ERP systems)Experience with SQL, Python, and AI toolsExperience with discrete event modeling software, statistical analysis, or operations research fieldsExperience with Bluebeam RevuExperience analyzing large datasets, checking for accuracy/errors in datasets, and communicating data driven conclusionsExperience supporting production start-up and production ramp periodsAble to contribute to and work well with multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teamsAbility to identify customer needs, gather requirements, and execute independentlyAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress, dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirementsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated ability to communicate with and influence stakeholders in higher-level leadershipAdditional Requirements:Must be able to work extended hours, some nights and/or weekends when needed to meet major milestonesMust be able to travel - up to 5-10% travel may be required to other SpaceX facilitiesThis position is based in Starbase, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not consideredITAR 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.