Equipment Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a dedicated Equipment Engineer to provide essential support for the Starlink production equipment in Bastrop. This role involves leading maintenance technicians, conducting root cause analysis, and executing complex improvement projects to enhance equipment reliability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background and hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. Join a team that is at the forefront of technology, helping to shape the future of global connectivity through the world's largest satellite constellation. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with automated industrial equipment and CMMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance technicians to troubleshoot and resolve equipment failures.
• Develop and execute improvement projects to maximize equipment availability.
• Coordinate with internal teams for machine upgrades and repairs.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Root Cause Analysis

Problem-Solving

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CMMS

MRP

ERP

Microsoft Office

Jira

SQL

PowerBI

Job description

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.

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 4M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the world.

The Equipment Engineer is responsible for providing engineering support on planned and unplanned repairs, modifications, and upgrades of production equipment in the Starlink programs in Bastrop. Maintenance Engineers are the primary technical resource for maintenance technicians, and support day-to-day resolution of the most challenging technical issues facing the team. Maintenance Engineers take end-to-end ownership of equipment improvement projects; this ownership includes initial concept, iterative design, and final implementation. This role plays a key part in maximizing critical production equipment availability, ultimately enabling Starlink to rapidly pursue its mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead maintenance technicians to troubleshoot and resolve technically complex equipment failures.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and action corrective measures to address equipment, process, and behavioral gaps.
• Develop and execute complex improvement projects to maximize production equipment availability.
• Collaborate with development engineering teams to build in reliability and maintenance efficiency “up-front” on projects and propose design adjustments.
• Provide leadership for utilization of CMMS (computerized maintenance management systems).
• Integrate predictive tools (vibration analysis, cycle monitoring) into maintenance to organize proactive Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM).
• Complete hands-on and in-depth repairs of equipment including mechanical, electrical, fluid, pneumatic, and robotic control system failures.
• Coordinate internal and 3rd party resources to scope and execute repairs, overhauls, and equipment upgrade projects.
• Leverage feedback from maintenance technicians to drive improvements to work instructions and processes.
• Coordinate with internal Equipment Reliability Engineering, Tool Engineering, and Automation Engineering teams to design and implement machine upgrades.
• Create, modify, and update preventative maintenance instructions to eliminate recurring failures or low value add tasks.
• Interface with engineering, quality, production, and procurement to resolve any hold factors blocking production.
• Provide help to create optimized machine spare parts lists, min/max levels, optimal spares inventory, and parts criticality analysis.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ year of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment (internships and project work are applicable).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of troubleshooting technical problems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with MRP, ERP, and CMMS systems.
• Hands-on experience with automated industrial equipment.
• Experience leading technicians through troubleshooting and performing root cause analysis.
• Experience coordinating projects with contractors and third parties.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, GD&T and P&IDs.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills and capable of communicating summarized accomplishments in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Products, Smartsheet, Jira, SQL, and PowerBI.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed.
• Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends.
• Willing to travel for short trips as needed, up to 10% travel.
• 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.

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.