Build Specialist, Barrel Production (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Build Specialist for Barrel Production to advance Starship propellant tank structure reliability. The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, escalations ownership, and line efficiency to sustain high flight cadence while maintaining safety and quality on the floor.

You will partner with design, manufacturing, and reliability engineers to drive rapid resolutions, document changes, and implement permanent countermeasures that prevent recurrence.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a hands-on manufacturing or process improvement role; OR a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science.
• Experience leading root-cause analysis and implementing permanent countermeasures.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to document traceable improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead data-driven root cause analysis on complex equipment failures and quality defects.
• Own escalations end-to-end from triage to verified fixes on the floor.
• Drive line efficiency, optimize workflow, and reduce waste on flexible barrel lines.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues and manage model/tooling changes to minimize disruption.
• Mentor technicians and enforce standard work to accelerate knowledge transfer.
• Work with engineering to improve utilization and reduce rework loops.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/math/science

Associate degree in engineering/math/science

Tools

Automated laser welding

Lean tools: 5S/Kanban/PFMEA

Job description

Build Specialist, Barrel Production (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.

BUILD SPECIALIST, BARREL PRODUCTION (STARSHIP)

The Build Specialist for Barrels and Domes Primary Structures focused on Root Cause, Escalations & Line Efficiency ensures quality, reliability, and efficient production of Starship’s core propellant tank structures. Through root-cause analysis, escalations ownership, and line optimization, the role enables the production rates and structural integrity needed for Starship’s high flight cadence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead relentless, data-driven root cause analysis (5 Whys, fishbone, Pareto, etc.) on complex equipment failures, quality defects, process variability, and unplanned downtime; implement permanent countermeasures, poka-yoke solutions, and preventive/predictive strategies to eliminate repeat problems
• Own engineering escalations end-to-end: triage issues, coordinate with design/manufacturing/build reliability engineers, drive rapid resolution, verify fixes at the gemba, and document thoroughly for full traceability and compliance
• Drive day-to-day waste reduction and line efficiency on flexible barrel lines—optimize workflow, part flow, mixed-product sequencing, workstation layout, and material presentation to cut non-value-added time and improve throughput
• Troubleshoot complex equipment and tooling issues, support repairs, and manage model/tooling changes to minimize disruption
• Conduct quality inspections, enforce process standards, elevate non-conformances immediately, and mentor technicians on best practices and standard work
• Drive continuous improvement and 5S: update work instructions, standardize best practices to close skill gaps and accelerate knowledge transfer, and implement workstation/process optimizations
• Support assembly process updates, new equipment integration, and seamless cross-shift/cross-department coordination
• Partner with engineering to improve utilization efficiency—provide clear feedback, data, and recommendations that reduce rework loops and strengthen the production-engineering partnership
• Verify safety, compliance, and process integrity on the floor; ensure every fix is robust and sustainable

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment; OR Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 2+ years in a manufacturing, process planning, or continuous improvement role with strong root-cause ownership
• 2+ years of professional experience in an aerospace, aviation, automotive, and/or manufacturing environment
• Experience in automated laser welding / laser cutting
• Proven experience leading structured problem-solving (5 Whys, A3, 8D, etc.) and implementing permanent countermeasures that prevent recurrence
• Hands-on experience with Lean tools (5S, waste elimination, value-stream thinking, Kanban, OEE, PFMEA, poka-yoke)
• Strong data analysis skills (Excel, VBA, SQL, or similar) for downtime, quality, and efficiency metrics
• Experience mentoring technicians, enforcing standards, and driving knowledge transfer
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting, tooling changes, workstation optimization, and flexible/mixed-model lines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to elevate clearly and partner effectively with engineering and leadership
• Experience taking processes from development through rate production with focus on design for manufacturability and assembly

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours minimum)
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted (and up to 50 lbs for short durations)
• Must be able to travel up to 5%
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 200 feet) and in confined spaces
• Able to work outdoors (heat, cold, rain) and in environments with fumes, odors, and noise
• Stand/Walk: up to 10 hours
• Sit: up to 3 hours
• Push/Pull: up to 75 lbs (unassisted) 1–2 hours
• Overhead reach / Upper body twist / Kneel/Crouch: up to 6 hours
• Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours
• Lift/Carry: up to 50 lbs (unassisted) 1–2 hours
• Work in temperatures over 80°F for short periods (≤30 min)
• 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 Afflitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].

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