Manager, Starship Build

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manager, Production (Starship) to lead production on the floor, overseeing up to 120 technicians across two shifts. You will monitor schedules, identify risks, and communicate them to stakeholders while guiding multiple engineering and manufacturing teams through complex rocket hardware assembly.

The role requires strong leadership, aerospace experience, and a hands‑on approach to process improvement, safety, and adherence to strict quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field or 2+ years of production management experience.
• 2+ years in aerospace or high‑volume manufacturing.
• 2+ years of management experience.

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 to guarantee on-time delivery and quality targets
• Manage the complete production process within a predefined area, and ensure safety at all times
• Resolve 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

Skills

Leadership

Aerospace

Production management

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

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
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
• Walk: Up to 1 hour per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre‑employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

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].