Supervisor, Development Operations

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Supervisor of Machining & Fabrication (Starlink) in Bastrop to lead a skilled team fabricating engineering R&D and production tooling for Starlink builds. You will grow capabilities, mentor technicians, and partner with engineering leaders across Starlink to hit aggressive milestones.

The role requires organizing a diverse group of fabrication, assembly, electrical, and automation experts, while advancing safety, quality, and on-time delivery for high-volume terminals and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of professional experience in machining, maintenance, or production/manufacturing; OR 5+ years of professional experience in machining, maintenance, or production/manufacturing in lieu of a degree
• 2+ years of professional experience managing a team or leading projects

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a group of technicians and specialists that fabricate, build, integrate, and deploy Starlink factory equipment and tooling
• Collaborate with the broader development operations and automation teams to achieve factory infrastructure deployment targets and milestones
• Manage tooling/testing equipment and infrastructure required to support engineering, automation, and product development projects
• Manage the parts inventory used to build standard factory assets, set targets for the team, and drive continuous improvement
• Provide mentorship to technicians/specialists and assist with design decisions, project strategies, and technical problems
• Provide technical support and feedback to engineering groups on tooling, fabrication, testing, and maintenance
• Ensure technicians and specialists on the team have the training, tools, and materials needed to carry out their duties – including creating and giving safety trainings to all members of the team
• Identify and execute on projects that improve overall program success and progress
• Take input from partner teams to align team priorities with broader program priorities
• Improve factory safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement
• Enforce area standards and rules (including bi‑annual reviews, disciplinary action, and time management)
• Report on project status and critical path items to management and key stakeholders for alignment
• Provide surge support and leadership as needed by traveling to other SpaceX sites to deploy factory assets

Skills

Machining operations

CNC programming

Quality inspection

Welding techniques

Fabrication processes

Electrical theory

Schematic reading

NFPA/UL standards

Problem solving

Communication skills

MS Office / Smartsheet

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

5+ years in lieu of degree

Tools

Smartsheet

Excel

PowerPoint

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SUPERVISOR, MACHINING & FABRICATION (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink provides fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

We are looking for an organized, creative, technically sharp, and driven Supervisor to lead the Machining & Fabrication team. This is a group of highly skilled technicians and automation specialists. As the team Supervisor, you and your team will be at the center of fabricating all engineering R&D and factory build-outs supporting exciting programs like high volume Starlink User Terminal assembly line technologies, PCB manufacturing, silicon packaging, and brand new products yet to be dreamed of.

You will manage a diverse team of fabrication, assembly, electrical, and automation experts in close partnership to key engineering leaders across Starlink, with expectation to grow the capabilities, skills, and output of a fast-growing team and Bastrop site. Your ability to lead in a highly dynamic environment will have immense impact on the output of Starlink products being distributed to the entire world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and lead a group of technicians and specialists that fabricate, build, integrate, and deploy Starlink factory equipment and tooling
• Collaborate with the broader development operations and automation teams to achieve factory infrastructure deployment targets and milestones
• Manage tooling/testing equipment and infrastructure required to support engineering, automation, and product development projects
• Manage the parts inventory used to build standard factory assets, set targets for the team, and drive continuous improvement
• Provide mentorship to technicians/specialists and assist with design decisions, project strategies, and technical problems
• Provide technical support and feedback to engineering groups on tooling, fabrication, testing, and maintenance
• Ensure technicians and specialists on the team have the training, tools, and materials needed to carry out their duties – including creating and giving safety trainings to all members of the team
• Identify and execute on projects that improve overall program success and progress
• Take input from partner teams to align team priorities with broader program priorities
• Improve factory safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement
• Enforce area standards and rules (including bi‑annual reviews, disciplinary action, and time management)
• Report on project status and critical path items to management and key stakeholders for alignment
• Provide surge support and leadership as needed by traveling to other SpaceX sites to deploy factory assets

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of professional experience in machining, maintenance, or production/manufacturing; OR 5+ years of professional experience in machining, maintenance, or production/manufacturing in lieu of a degree
• 2+ years of professional experience managing a team or leading projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Comprehensive knowledge of conventional machining, CNC programming, machining operations, and quality inspection procedures
• Experienced in welding techniques, fabrication processes, and precision mechanical assembly operations
• Experience managing large scale electromechanical projects by coordinating resources appropriately and collaborating with cross functional teams to achieve program objectives
• Knowledge of electrical theory, power distribution (both low and high voltage) and pneumatics
• Experience working with electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic schematics
• Familiar with NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79, and/or UL 508A standards
• Demonstrable hands‑on skill in fault finding and technical problem resolution
• Ability to bring multiple departments with different priorities together and support them in achieving common goals
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects on a large scale with multiple stakeholders and deliver on schedule
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and adjust team priorities as broader program priorities shift
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Smartsheet (or equivalent)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, pulling, pushing, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Ability to lift 30lbs. unassisted
• Willing to travel up to 20% of the time to support business needs

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 [e-mail].