Manager, Maintenance Operations (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, TX, is seeking a Manager for Maintenance Operations focused on Starlink's production lines. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing and maintenance management to ensure top operational efficiency.

This role involves leading a team to enhance machine availability, mentor staff, and manage maintenance schedules effectively. Candidates must have at least 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing setting and a relevant engineering degree.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing or high-volume manufacturing.
• 2+ years of leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to ensure maximum machine availability and throughput.
• Design and manage maintenance tasks with minimal impact on production.
• Mentor staff on troubleshooting and operational strategies.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing environments

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Knowledge of hydraulic systems

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field

Tools

Computerized maintenance management system

Industrial automation systems

Job description

Manager, Maintenance Operations (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

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.

SpaceX is looking for a driven and experienced maintenance operations manager to own equipment reliability for Starlink’s high-volume Product and Gateway production lines in Bastrop. This candidate will operate 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 of supervisors, technicians, and associates 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 a team of supervisors, technicians, and associates 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 in collaboration with asset owners and 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 supervisors, technicians, and associates on strategic downtime prevention, effective troubleshooting (hydraulics/pneumatics/electrical/controls), and how to run a disciplined operation
• Ensure effective maintenance coverage across all shifts through supervisor development and scheduling
• 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

• 5+ years of professional leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing or high-volume manufacturing
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership position

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field
• 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
• Experience working 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.

EEO & AAP Statement

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].