OPERATIONS ENGINEER, SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION (FAIRINGS)

At SpaceX, we are pushing the boundaries of rocket re-usability to launch ever-increasing amounts of customer and Starlink satellites. The Spacecraft-Integration – Fairings team is responsible for new and flown Payload Fairing processing at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Air Force Stations. In order to meet launch targets while continuously innovating and improving the hardware, all elements of the Fairing life cycle, engineering and quality systems, and supply chain must be optimized.

The Operations Engineer will be responsible for making data-based recommendations and owning projects to drive down refurb and integration hours, quality issues, and bottlenecks. They will work with multi-disciplinary teams at SpaceX to understand complex problems and implement best practices and steer strategic decisions. They will embrace and implement the SpaceX algorithm of: make the requirements less dumb, delete the part or process step, optimize, accelerate, and automate.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify operational and engineering challenges within the organization, determine root cause, and develop appropriate process improvements and corrective actions
• Be the focal point for Lean training and culture within the team, instilling Lean principles at all levels
• Manage improvement projects and be focal point for Fairing team project reviews and tracking
• Optimize flow in existing facilities and support design of new facilities/capacity expansion
• Develop and track key performance metrics, identify decision points and actions to optimize production and engineering to meet launch targets
• Capture best practices from other SpaceX production teams to apply organizational knowledge, training materials, and lessons-learned to the Fairing team
• Conduct in-depth analysis through SQL queries and other data analysis methods to dive into problems and identify trends for decision-making
• Provide Lean training and mentoring to Engineering, Quality, and Operations staff

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 2+ years of experience as an operations, process, manufacturing, or industrial engineer in a advanced manufacturing or production environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience applying Lean and quality tools such as Process Mapping, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, and various problem-solving approaches
• Project Management skills – ability to define, plan, execute, monitor, and close projects
• 1+ years of experience in using Excel, SQL, or Python/R for analysis or modeling dynamic systems
• Solid technical background to understand and assist with flight hardware Engineering actions as needed
• Understand/learn basics of aviation/space hardware, perform problem solving, write engineering documentation, support day/day operations
• Dedicated to adopting a Lean approach to quality without compromising safety or reliability
• Experience with inventory, production, and capacity planning (Including MRP/ERP/database systems)
• Experience as a contributor to multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated capability to jump into ill-defined problems and drive positive outcomes
• Excellent written and communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
• Must be able to travel - up to 15% travel may be required to other SpaceX sites
• Must be able to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• This position is based in Cape Canaveral, FL and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Operations Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Operations Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.