NDE Operations Manager – Starship Mechanisms

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manager of NDE Operations to lead the floor teams across multiple centers, ensuring inspections support timely, high-quality hardware production for Starship mechanisms. You will drive lean processes, develop metrics, and mentor inspectors for growth while partnering with engineering and production to meet aggressive deadlines.

This role requires strong leadership, a track record in NDE leadership, and a deep understanding of applicable NAS/ASNT standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years in an NDE or quality-focused organization.
• 3+ years leading inspectors in an operations/manufacturing environment.
• Experience conducting or leading inspections for flight and development hardware.
• ASNT TC-1A / NAS-410 / DOD aligned NDE Level II certification in ET/RT/UT/VT/DR/CR/PAUT/UTS W/ MT.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, or technical management.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

Responsibilities

• Lead the team of NDE supervisors, specialists, and inspectors on the floor and provide daily support for all NDE inspections across production centers.
• Identify process improvements; develop metrics and goals for resource centers; drive improvements.
• Assess employee performance; provide training plans for career growth.
• Collaborate with NDE Engineering, Production, Build Reliability, and Design Engineering to meet goals.
• Develop team-wide metrics; ensure accountability for execution and continuous improvement.
• Manage capital and operating expenditures for the NDE Operations team.
• Maintain a positive, safe, and healthy work environment and promote SpaceX culture and values.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Cross-functional

Communication

Training planning

Metrics development

Safety culture

NDE experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ET (Eddy current)

RT (Radiography)

UT (Ultrasonic)

VT (Visual)

PAUT

CR (Computed radiography)

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Manager of NDE Operations to lead the floor teams across multiple centers, ensuring inspections support timely, high-quality hardware production for Starship mechanisms. You will drive lean processes, develop metrics, and mentor inspectors for growth while partnering with engineering and production to meet aggressive deadlines.

This role requires strong leadership, a track record in NDE leadership, and a deep understanding of applicable NAS/ASNT standards.