Manufacturing Specialist (Starshield)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 94,558,464 - 143,270,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid sick leave

Life Insurance

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Specialist for Starshield to support bring-up and production of Starshield satellites. You will design tooling, assemble first-article hardware, and work with engineers to run sub-system tests.

Expect hands-on fabrication, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration to meet aggressive schedules. The role requires adapting to a fast-paced environment, lifting up to 25 lbs, and traveling to SpaceX sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires an electronics/engineering background or equivalent experience in electro-mechanical systems or harnessing.
• Bachelor’s degree in electronics, math, or engineering preferred.
• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office; experience with manufacturing ERP/PLM tools.
• Hands-on experience with complex electro-mechanical assemblies and test activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily production activities including sub-assembly builds, vehicle integration, and test checkouts.
• Collaborate with systems and design teams to ensure solutions meet mission requirements.
• Develop and transition parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production.
• Coordinate development, qualification, and acceptance testing for hardware and tooling.
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies across design, fabrication, and assembly.
• Work with engineering and production teams to improve current and next-generation vehicles.
• Guide multiple projects to completion for developmental testing and readiness objectives.
• Self-monitor progress to ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Unigraphics NX

Teamcenter

PLM systems

Microsoft Office

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 SPECIALIST (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

The Manufacturing Specialist role is responsible for supporting the bring up and future production of Starshield satellites. This includes designing tooling (assembly aides, part fixturing, electrical checkout rack, etc.) and processes (vehicle checkouts, harness/component integration, troubleshooting procedures etc.) to rapidly build early versions of Starshield vehicles. Manufacturing Specialists will be expected to contribute in daily production activities including dispositioning and troubleshooting issues, assembling first-article flight and GSE hardware, working with engineers to execute sub-system development testing, and aiding production technicians.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform daily production activities – including sub-assembly builds, vehicle integration, resolving issue tickets and further actions, test checkouts, etc.
• Work closely with the systems and design teams along with cross-functional partners to ensure solutions meet the mission requirements
• Develop procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
• Analyze and resolve integration and manufacturing discrepancies (design, fabrication, and assembly)
• Partner with engineering and production teams to drive improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
• Guide multiple projects to completion for developmental testing and team readiness objectives
• Self-monitor work progress and achieve on-time delivery of all work

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree or higher in an electronics, mathematical, or engineering discipline OR high school diploma and 5+ years of professional experience in testing, developing, and/or manufacturing electro-mechanical systems or harnessing in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in electronics, mathematical, or engineering discipline
• Experience and proficiency using Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office suite
• Experience with manufacturing enterprise systems
• Experience with automotive, aeronautic, and/or aerospace component integration
• Hands‑on project experience with complex electro‑mechanical systems
• Prior or current IPC‑A‑620, NASA 8739-4, or J‑STD‑001 certifications
• Experience with Unigraphics NX/Teamcenter and PLM systems
• Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments and a fast-paced work environment
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends as needed
  • Estimated start time: 5:00am
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs., unassisted
• Must be able travel to other SpaceX launch/test sites as needed: Up to 5-10% work week travel
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand are generally required to perform functions of this position
• This job is onsite, remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $33.00 - $39.00
• Level 2: $37.00 - $44.00
• Level 3: $41.00 - $50.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX.

• You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.
• You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 Affiant Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].