Manufacturing engineer, Tool & Die Machining - 2nd Shift

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP (SpaceX) in Bastrop, TX, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for Tool & Die Machining on the 2nd shift. This engineer will be responsible for managing a technical project related to tooling technologies necessary for production.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and have 3+ years of CNC machining experience. Strong knowledge of engineering processes and project management is essential.

Flexibility in hours and the ability to travel is required, with a focus on optimizing manufacturing efficiency and ensuring quality in production.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with CNC machining.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes like injection molding and die casting.
• Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical projects for tooling and manufacturing technologies.
• Develop machining capability in-house.
• Implement machining process controls to reduce in-cycle interventions.

Skills

CNC machining

Engineering project management

3D CAD skills

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or materials engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, TOOL & DIE MACHINING – 2 ND SHIFT

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX was founded with the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we do not. SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, including low‑latency broadband internet via Starlink. This position works directly in the materials engineering group and is responsible for managing a technical project for the development and qualification of tooling and manufacturing process technologies necessary to produce plastic injection molds and high‑pressure die cast tools.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop machining capability in‑house for the tool & die team and deliver high‑quality precision piece parts required to build internal tooling
• Analyze piece parts and assemblies for DFM to ensure that the parts are optimized for manufacturing and assembly
• Create collaborative business plans with design engineering, upstream production, and support teams and develop and maintain positive supplier/customer relationships
• Work between manufacturing and design engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to ensure processes are robust and any production problems are quickly solved
• Implement machining process controls that allow parts to run ‘lights out’. Leverage latest technologies and programming strategies to reduce in‑cycle intervention
• Identify, recommend, procure, and install machine shop equipment as well as ensure all equipment is thoroughly maintained and calibrated
• Responsible for cost optimization and cost reduction initiatives associated with fabrication and processes
• Continually develop and manage engineering capacity, schedules, and project plans in order to support production manifest as well as a diverse and variable R&D demand
• Research and identify new materials, manufacturing technologies and finishing options
• Inform estimations of prototype and production manufacturing costs - tooling, secondary assembly, secondary finishing and piece part
• Publish and maintain detailed schedules for each development project segment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience with CNC machining

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline
• Strong to expert level 3D CAD skills, including advanced surfacing and large assemblies
• Experience with Siemens NX
• Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing and scaling to high volume as part of a cross‑functional team
• Experience with manufacturing processes like injection molding, CNC, die casting, stamping, assembly, and box build in a production setting and a good understanding of the costs and schedule and complexity associated with each process

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work the following hours:
  • 2nd shift: Monday to Friday from 3:30 pm to 2:00 am
• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods of time (approximately 15% travel normally, more during urgent manufacturing and test campaigns)
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Standing/walking for long periods of time
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylum seeker under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about 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].