Manager, Starship Build

Latent AI; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Wisconsin is seeking a Manager for Production to oversee a dynamic team of technicians responsible for key assembly processes. The role entails managing production schedules, ensuring quality targets, and resolving operational challenges. Candidates should have a degree in engineering or relevant experience, along with strong leadership and communication skills. This is a great opportunity to contribute to pioneering space technology while working in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of management experience in a production environment.
• Experience in aerospace or high-volume manufacturing.
• Proven ability in monitoring production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage production staff and operations.
• Ensure safety and quality while meeting production targets.
• Monitor and manage costs and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant experience

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, PRODUCTION (STARSHIP)

The Starship Manager, Production, is responsible for up to 120 technicians and the on-floor activities of key assembly and/or service work centers. This is a dynamic position that requires the ability to monitor and create actions for key department metrics while managing production schedules, identifying risks, and clearly communicating them to key stakeholders. As a Manager, Production you will lead several complex, multi-disciplinary production teams/projects and will be required to dive into the unique engineering challenges we face daily in building rocket engine hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a staff of 40+ employees per shift (up to 120 on 2 shifts)
• Manage modification, repair, assembly, and integration of production assemblies in order to guarantee achievement of on time delivery and quality targets
• Manage the complete production process within a predefined area, and ensure safety at all times
• Resolve reoccurring non-conformance issues
• Review work instructions, and make change recommendations when needed
• Meet tight production schedules to achieve high rate production
• Assess, staff, and vet the appropriate skill sets needed
• Monitor material costs and cost savings
• Identify and set‑up training programs
• Develop, initiate, coordinate, and enforce system policies and procedures
• Monitor labor hours/overtime, and implement improvement plans and time management with staff
• Manage capacity planning of equipment and personnel
• Coordinate with engineering and other departments to minimize production interruptions
• Think creatively, and question the status quo while following documentation and maintaining prescribed quality standards
• Develop and ensure adequate machine maintenance schedules and back‑up spares availability

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field or at least 2+ years of experience as a manager/supervisor in a production environment
• 2+ years in aerospace (airframe, launch vehicle, or military) or high‑volume manufacturing sector
• 2+ years of management experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working at SpaceX
• Experience bringing teams and processes from development to production
• Ability to effectively communicate with engineering and production (verbal and written)
• Experience being detailed oriented with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Experience with schematics: engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts list/cable
• Experience with harnesses: wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and parts list
• Experience with mechanical assemblies: mechanical drawings and parts lists
• Strong leadership skills
• Possess safety training experience and/or safety certifications
• Experience monitoring, tracking, and continually improving total cost equation
• Experience with applying lean manufacturing principles and efficiency methods
• Ability to adapt to constant changing work assignments and a fast‑paced work environment

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work all shifts, extended hours, and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to travel for short and extended trips as needed (up to 10%)
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

ITAR Requirements

• 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].