Supervisor, Machining (Starship Components)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, located in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Supervisor for the Machining team working on Starship components. The role involves supervising a team of up to 25 machinists and technicians, managing production schedules, ensuring safety protocols, and driving continuous improvements in the machining processes. Candidates must have 4+ years of manufacturing experience and preferably have 5+ years in CNC machining and leadership roles. Competitive compensation between $110,000 to $140,000 per year, with comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing role.
• 5+ years of experience as a CNC machinist is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of machinists and technicians through daily work assignments.
• Track shop floor metrics to maximize delivery rate.
• Set and maintain a production schedule.
• Ensure employee safety through regular assessments.
• Support the commissioning of CNCs and cleaning equipment.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

CNC machining

Leadership

Communication

Troubleshooting manufacturing operations

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Job description

Hawthorne, CA

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.

SUPERVISOR, MACHINING (STARSHIP COMPONENTS)

The Hawthorne Starship Machining team machines and delivers parts used in critical applications on Starship/Super Heavy - from regulators and solenoids to butterfly valves. The Supervisor of Starship Machining will guide a team of machinists and deburr technicians to build out a new world‑class machine shop, own Starship low‑cost high‑precision valve parts, drive high safety and quality standards, grow machining expertise, generate creative solutions to overcome issues, and spearhead a production schedule to keep downstream valve assemblies fed at an increasing launch rate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise a team of machinists and technicians through daily work assignments, personnel development, and frequent feedback. Responsible for recruiting, mentoring, leading, training and supervising up to 25 machinists and technicians.
• Track shop floor metrics and partner with engineering to maximize delivery rate through high machine utilization, low cycle time, high yield, and lights‑out manufacturing.
• Set and maintain a tight production schedule to meet downstream valve assembly demand and efficiently distribute workload to the team.
• Ensure employee safety through regular assessments of equipment/tooling health, training, PPE use, and implementation of engineering solutions to mitigate risks. Prioritize personnel safety above all else, halting production when necessary.
• Support the commissioning of CNCs and cleaning equipment in a new shop. Transition parts and programs from prove‑out to high‑volume production.
• Drive shop floor culture of continuous improvement and maintain 5S protocols. Manage tooling inventory, cost, and storage.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing role.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of experience in the role of a CNC machinist.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production teams at all levels of the business.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing operations, especially machining processes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work 1 of the following shifts:
  • 1st shift (start time: 5:00 AM)
  • 2nd shift (start time: 2:30 PM)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

Supervisor: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

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, stock options 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.

• 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.