Operations Engineer (Starship Machining)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary bonuses

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

SpaceX operates a Hawthorne-based Starship Machining team that designs, builds, and expands production spaces to deliver critical Starship components. The Operations Engineer leads factory layouts, installs automation, and manages complex, cross‑functional projects while maintaining a strong focus on safety and efficiency.

The role requires hands‑on manufacturing experience, leadership in process improvements, and the ability to coordinate with multiple teams on aggressive timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline required.
• 2+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience required.

Responsibilities

• Design and own factory/layouts to increase capacity for machining Starship components.
• Lead installation and commissioning of automated CNC cells and related equipment.
• Conduct vendor walks, negotiate pricing, and enforce schedules.
• Execute complex projects with focus on speed and cost efficiency.
• Lead by example and drive rapid project completion on the factory floor.
• Develop systems and processes to improve production delivery, capacity, and cost.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

CNC machinery installation

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering

Tools

Excel

SQL

Python

R

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 (STARSHIP MACHINING)

The Hawthorne Starship Machining team machines and delivers parts used in critical applications on Starship/Super Heavy - from regulators and solenoids to butterfly valves. Operations engineers own the factory build and expansion, process flow, machine installation and commissioning, and project planning. Operations engineers have an eye for detail and simplicity and make that become reality on the factory floor. If you like strategic planning, building a new factory from scratch, juggling many different priorities, improving part flow, and spending most of your time away from your desk, a role on the operations engineering team may be for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and own factory and production area layouts that enable increased capacity and capability for machining Starship components
• Lead the installation and commissioning of new automated CNC machining cells, including the CNC machines themselves, automated material feed systems, automated part catch systems, and all other ancillary production cell equipment
• Conduct job walks with vendors, negotiate prices and hold vendors to schedule
• Execute on complex projects in the minimum amount of time and expense to the business
• Get hands‑on and lead by example to get projects completed rapidly
• Actively develop system and process improvements across production teams
• Develop tools to analyze delivery, capacity, and cost problems for production to guide decisions
• Drive adherence to safety throughout the factory build‑out process and design production work centers that are optimized for safety

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience as an industrial, operations, process or manufacturing engineer in a developmental manufacturing environment
• Experience with installing and commissioning complex machinery and automated manufacturing cells
• Process engineering experience including project management, capacity modeling, process mapping, and layouts
• Experience with industrial facilities: HVAC, gases, electrical, structural/foundations, etc.
• 1+ years of experience in using Excel, SQL, or Python/R for analysis or modeling dynamic systems
• Experience with lean, six sigma, and related production principles
• Ability to work well across teams and skill sets to find the simplest and best solution
• Experience as a contributor to multi‑disciplinary and cross‑functional teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand for long durations and work directly with hardware on the floor
• Ability to stoop and bend when necessary
• Ability to lift/carry up to 25lbs (unassisted) for 1-2 hours per day
• Ability to travel and work long hours or weekends when necessary

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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 Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].