Manufacturing Engineer, Tool & Die Machining - 2nd Shift

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for the Tool & Die Machining team on the 2nd shift. This role involves developing machining capabilities in-house, managing technical projects for tooling and manufacturing processes, and ensuring robust operations.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in engineering and extensive experience in CNC machining and 3D CAD. The position requires collaboration across teams and a commitment to optimizing manufacturing operations while maintaining high standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with CNC machining.
• Strong to expert level in 3D CAD skills, including advanced surfacing.
• Experience transitioning products from design to high volume manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop machining capabilities in-house for the tool & die team.
• Analyze piece parts for DFM to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with teams to solve production problems.
• Implement machining process controls for efficiency.
• Identify and procure machine shop equipment.

Skills

CNC machining

3D CAD skills

DFM analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

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.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, TOOL & DIE MACHINING - 2ND SHIFT

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

Working directly in the materials engineering group, this position is responsible for managing a technical project for the development and qualification of all equipment, tooling, and manufacturing process technologies necessary to produce plastic injection molds and high pressure die cast tools. The correct individual will bring an open mindset, challenge the status quo with regards to traditional vs. emerging technologies and utilize a logical and disciplined approach to evaluate and select the correct set of solutions.

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 (~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

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 at [e-mail].