Mechanical Design Engineer, Starship Material Flow (Starbase)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Starbase, TX seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to optimize the material flow for Starship programs, from receiving to lineside and reverse logistics. The role emphasizes lean principles, data analysis, and cross-functional teamwork to improve efficiency and safety.

The position requires a bachelor's in engineering and 1+ years in manufacturing environments, with experience in layout design (AutoCAD) and packaging development. Onsite work at Starbase is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (internship and school projects qualify)

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize material flow from receipt to the lineside and any reverse logistics.
• Develop and implement layouts for material flow and storage to achieve inventory targets.
• Create labor and equipment models to match flow strategies and measure resource efficiency.
• Develop cost-effective packaging solutions for vendor-to-SpaceX workflows and internal use.
• Use data tools to assess performance metrics, identify issues and drive improvements.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure safety standards across materials processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production and Supply Chain on cross-functional projects.

Skills

Material flow engineering

Project leadership

Data analysis

Layout design

Packaging design

Supply chain planning

Quantitative problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Tableau

SQL

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.

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER, STARSHIP MATERIAL FLOW (STARBASE)

SpaceX is currently seeking an experienced Material Flow Engineer to analyze, design and optimize the receiving, storage, movement, and presentation of materials at Starbase for all flight and non-flight programs to enable overall Starship objectives.

Material Flow Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing material flow strategies that align with Starship production goals and drive operational excellence. This role involves using lean material flow principles, data analytics, problem solving, modeling, and project management skills to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of all materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process Design and Optimization: Design and implement innovative strategies for efficient material flow from receipt to the lineside and any reverse logistics required. Understand critical part flow categories to develop specific plans that will allow Starbase to achieve significant scale. Use value stream mapping to ensure end-to-end process optimization.
• Factory and Warehouse Layout Planning: Develop and implement conceptual and detailed layouts for material flow and storage to achieve targeted inventory levels. Ensure that storage strategies are aligned across the supply chain and achieve maximum desired part density considering all available facility volume. Build and use space capacity models to ensure we have adequate storage solutions.
• Develop Materials Management Resource Plans: Using lean material flow principles and industry best practices, develop labor and equipment models to match the material flow strategies. Conduct time studies as needed to determine resource efficiency and implement procedures to track improvements. Ensure that all material handling equipment is optimized for the processes being supported.
• Part Packaging and Rack Flow: Develop cost effective and sustainable packaging solutions for use between vendors and SpaceX and within Starbase facilities. Ensure that the packaging optimizes for total landed cost by considering logistics density and handling efficiency, while maintaining required quality standards. Work with external packaging and tooling vendors as well as internal teams to get right-sized packaging fleets built in time to support program targets.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, SQL) to assess material flow performance metrics, identify issues, and develop data-driven solutions. Support the Materials Management operations teams as needed with decision making.
• Safety and Training: Conduct risk assessments and implement measures to ensure that all Materials Management processes adhere to federal, state, local and SpaceX safety standards. Conduct periodic audits to ensure that safe conditions do not develop, all processes are being completed per design standards and any equipment in use remains adequate for the process it supports. Develop and lead training for new processes and equipment.
• Project Collaboration: Collaborate with Engineering, Production and Supply Chain teams across SpaceX on critical projects to ensure stakeholder buy-in is achieved and everyone is working towards a common target state. As needed, conduct sessions to keep all cross-functional teams aligned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (internship and school projects experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• Experience working directly on material flow engineering solutions
• Demonstrated leadership driving projects in an industrial environment
• Extensive analytical skills for performing detailed data analysis
• Experience with layout design in AutoCAD or similar, building both warehouse and manufacturing lineside layouts
• Experience with material handling equipment and packaging design and implementation
• Knowledge of Supply Chain planning design and warehousing requirements
• Experience solving challenging quantitative problems in fast paced environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones
• This position is based in Starbase, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

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.

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