SpaceX
Manufacturing Engineer (Starship Machining Operations)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to design and oversee factory layouts, install automated CNC machining cells, and optimize production processes for Starship components in Hawthorne. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on factory floor leadership to expand machining capacity and capability.
What you'll do
- Design factory layouts and production areas to increase machining capacity for Starship components
- Lead installation and commissioning of CNC machines, automated material feed systems, and production cell equipment
- Conduct vendor job walks, negotiate pricing, and enforce schedule accountability
- Develop process improvements and tools to analyze delivery, capacity, and cost problems
- Drive safety adherence throughout factory build-out and optimize work centers for worker safety
- Execute complex projects rapidly with hands-on leadership and minimal overhead
What they're looking for
- CNC machining and automated manufacturing cell design
- Factory layout and production area planning
- Machinery installation and commissioning
- Process engineering and capacity modeling
- Data analysis using Excel, SQL, Python, or R
- Lean and Six Sigma principles
- Vendor management and negotiation
- Cross-functional team collaboration
Benefits
- Competitive base salary with stock options and long-term incentives
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match eligibility
- 3 weeks paid vacation plus 10+ paid holidays annually
- Paid parental leave and disability insurance
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discount
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe your experience installing and commissioning automated manufacturing equipment—what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
- Walk us through a time you redesigned a factory layout or production process; what metrics improved and by how much?