Manager, Machine Maintenance (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Opportunity for career advancement

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Manager of Machine Maintenance for their Starlink production lines in Bastrop, Texas. This role involves leading a maintenance team, ensuring equipment reliability, and maximizing production line uptime. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and significant leadership experience in manufacturing or aerospace environments. Hands-on maintenance knowledge, strong communication skills, and the ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced setting are essential. This position offers opportunities in a dynamic and innovative company focused on advancing space technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in aerospace or high-volume manufacturing.
• At least 2 years in a leadership position.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to maximize machine availability and throughput.
• Design and build maintenance systems to track tasks.
• Drive root cause determination and corrective actions.
• Manage spare parts inventory for rapid response.

Skills

Hands-on maintenance experience

Knowledge of hydraulic systems

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM discipline

5+ years of professional leadership experience

Tools

Computerized maintenance management system

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.

MANAGER, MACHINE MAINTENANCE (STARLINK PRODUCTION)

SpaceX is looking for a driven and experienced machine maintenance manager to own equipment reliability for Starlink's high-volume Product and Gateway production lines in Bastrop. This candidate will be operating in a fast paced and ever-evolving environment, as part of the team working to build the hardware required to connect people all around the world to the internet. This individual will lead a team in designing and operating a robust maintenance system with the goal of providing maximum equipment availability and production line uptime to maximize output of Starlink production.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead team to achieve maximum machine availability, throughput, and OEE
• Work with the team to design and build systems to consistently track and execute maintenance tasks on schedule with minimal impact to line uptime
• Drive root cause determination and corrective action on incidents and eliminate recurrences with asset owners/engineers
• Manage spare parts inventory for rapid response to failures, justify capex for upgrades/new installs, and support refurbishments
• Provide DFM feedback on new layouts and equipment to ensure maintainability
• Mentor the team on strategic downtime prevention, effective troubleshooting (hydraulics/pneumatics/electrical/controls), and how to run a disciplined operation
• Maintain organized, efficient, and presentable team workspaces
• Perform day-to-day administrative and management tasks including performance reviews, skills matrix and training, timecard approvals, recruiting, and maintenance KPI analysis

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM discipline OR 5+ years of professional leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of experience in aerospace (airframe, launch vehicle, military) or high-volume manufacturing
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership position

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Hands‑on maintenance or manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, pneumatics, and mechanical theory
• Knowledge of industrial automation, instrumentation, data acquisition & control systems, and high‑power electrical systems
• Experience with machine or complex system maintenance
• Demonstrable hands‑on skill in troubleshooting, fault finding, problem resolution, and breakdown management
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to bring multiple departments with different priorities together and steer them to a common goal
• Work with a computerized maintenance management/resource planning system
• Experience in a role where quick‑thinking and problem solving were critical

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand up to 6 hours, lift 25 pounds unassisted, and maneuver around equipment in a factory setting
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are required to perform the functions of this position
• Ability to work in cleanroom and industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces
• Ability to travel on an ongoing basis, including internationally (up to 10%)
• Must be willing to work all shifts, extended hours and weekends as needed
• 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 [e-mail].