Operations Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Future Ventures; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Operations Engineer for the AI Satellites program. The role blends manufacturing engineering with supply chain to translate complex specifications into repeatable external processes on the Starmind initiative.

Ideal candidates will leverage experience in machining, inspections, and production automation, working across engineering and supplier teams to enable timely, high-quality production ramps.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools.
• Experience in production and process optimization.
• Familiarity with cross-functional project management.

Responsibilities

• Document production line parameters and SOPs.
• Own floor layouts, capacity studies and product flow analysis.
• Define acceptance criteria and setup inspection checkpoints as volume grows.
• Support root-cause investigations and track corrective actions.
• Translate production schedules into material needs and monitor lead times.
• Track inventory and safety stock levels for critical components.
• Coordinate with facilities and MEP teams on production updates.
• Maintain documentation for MES, inventory management and traceability.
• Identify trends to optimize output, quality and manufacturability.
• Act as liaison between engineering and production for clear instructions.

Skills

Manufacturing Experience

Supply Chain

Project Management

AutoCAD/Revit

SQL Knowledge

Lean Six Sigma

Data Analysis

Electro-mechanical Systems

Communication

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX demands a new type of supply chain as we drive towards humanity on Mars. We require our suppliers to provide premium quality with rapidly evolving designs at increasingly ambitious volumes. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools and have unrelenting motivation to enable suppliers for success. This position will support our Starmind program and requires a combination of proven leadership and technical capabilities.

This is a highly technical position that requires practical experience in manufacturing engineering and new product. The ideal candidate will have a broad and thorough understanding of component fabrication methodologies including machining, finishing, forming, welding, inspections, and other associated processes. You will work at the boundary between our engineering teams and our supply base, turning demanding internal specifications into capable, repeatable external manufacturing processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support documentation of production line parameters, standard operating procedures, and known failure modes
• Assist in the ownership of floor layouts, capacity studies, and product flow analysis to ensure on-time product delivery
• Assist in defining acceptance criteria and setting up inspection checkpoints as production volume increases
• Support root-cause investigations on recurring defects and help track corrective actions to closure
• Help translate production schedules into material needs and monitor supplier lead times, flagging potential shortages
• Track inventory and safety stock levels for critical components and report discrepancies
• Assist in coordinating with facility and MEP teams to stay informed on construction updates affecting production plans
• Help maintain documentation for production and quality systems, including manufacturing execution, inventory management, and material traceability records
• Assist production/engineering leadership team to identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability
• Act as a communication link between the engineering team and production technicians, helping translate technical requirements into clear floor-level instructions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Manufacturing, Design or Supply Chain Experience
• Project management experience, particularly related to creating or overhauling cross‑functional business processes
• Experience working with engineering or infrastructure projects across multiple disciplines
• Experience working with AutoCAD or Revit models

• Knowledge of database structures and SQL
• Understanding of lean engineering and Six Sigma concepts and their application
• Experience with production automation and tooling
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience analyzing large datasets and communicating conclusions
• Experience supporting production of complex electro‑mechanical systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp‑up
• Ability to identify customer needs, gather requirements, and execute independently
• Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends when needed to meet major milestones
• Some travel may be required

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 Aff [e-mail].