Supervisor, NDE Operations (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Supervisor, NDE Operations (Starship) to lead a team of inspectors and specialists in non-destructive evaluation. You will partner with pipe and structural teams to raise quality across the fab, question requirements, and drive lean improvements while meeting engineering expectations.

You will oversee training, certification, and hiring decisions, collaborate with Engineering and Level 3 teams, and ensure inspection proficiency with relevant methods and tools.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team in NDE or quality control.
• NDE Level III certification in at least 1 method.
• Aerospace experience preferred.
• Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM.
• Ability to work extended hours and travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and prioritize workflow management
• Interface between the team and Production Partners & Customers
• Collaborate with Engineering and Level 3 Teams to support inspection requirements
• Manage inspector career development planning and certification training
• Assist in personnel hiring and sourcing recommendations
• Manage maintenance planning and scheduling for equipment and facilities
• Prioritize and increase inspection quality by deploying lean strategies, 5S, Kaizen and data driven metric development
• Ensure team maintains proficiency using inspection methods, automated systems, tooling, etc. that is relevant to the work center

Skills

Team leadership

Quality focus

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Technical management degree

Tools

Siemens NX

Catia

Pro-E

MS Office

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, NDE OPERATIONS (STARSHIP)

The supervisor of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) operations reports to the welding manager and partners with the pipe and structural teams to raise quality across the fab organization. This person is expected to question requirements and industry standards to reduce administrative burden, while still meeting the expectations set by engineering. The role oversees a team of full-time inspectors and specialists and supplements that team with contractor inspectors as needed. The ideal candidate has a sharp eye for quality and works with production in a seamless, practical way.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedule and prioritize workflow management
• Act as the interface between the team and relevant Production Partners & Customers
• Collaborate with the Engineering and Level 3 Teams to support inspection requirements
• Manage inspector career development planning and certification training to meet inspection needs in the work center
• Assist in personnel hiring and sourcing recommendations
• Manage maintenance planning and scheduling for equipment and facilities
• Prioritize and increase inspection quality by deploying lean strategies, 5S, Kaizen and data driven metric development
• Ensure team maintains proficiency using inspection methods, automated systems, tooling, etc. that is relevant to the work center

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience leading/managing a team
• 2+ years of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills while managing multiple priorities
• Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) Level III certification in at least 1 method
• Engineering or technical management degree
• 5+ years of aerospace experience
• Certified in at least 1 Surface Method and 1 Advanced Method
• Knowledge of AMS, AWS / ASME, ASTM
• Problem solving tools and techniques: ex. 5 whys, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, Root Cause Analysis
• Knowledge and experience in Lean Manufacturing principles: ex. 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement, DMAIC
• Basic computer skills: Microsoft office applications - Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• CAD packages such as Siemens NX, Catia, Pro-E, E
• Experience in working with fracture critical products and parts
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, assemblies, technique specific systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends, which varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Must be able to work at elevated heights
• Must be able to travel for short and extended trips as needed, up to 15%
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 6 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
• Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
• 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 [e-mail] .