Supervisor, Test Operations (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Shuttle service

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Supervisor, Test System Production (Starlink) in Redmond to lead the team responsible for building, deploying, and maintaining test systems that validate flight hardware for Starlink satellites. You will oversee racks, fixtures, PCBAs, and automation, ensuring production readiness and safety.

You will manage a 10+ staff, coordinate schedules and budgets, and collaborate with test engineering partners to meet aggressive delivery timelines while driving process improvements and

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a technical field preferred; relevant experience acceptable.
• Strong supervisory experience with ability to lead 10+ staff.
• Experience with test systems, electrical panels and harnessing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production of test systems for Starlink flight hardware.
• Supervise shop floor activities and workflow.
• Lead and manage a staff of 10+ workers with performance management.
• Own operations across shifts, ensuring safety and quality.
• Collaborate with test engineering teams to align on needs and schedules.
• Hands-on building of test equipment when needed.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes, inventory and layouts.
• Assess skills and training needs for test system production.
• Monitor labor hours and implement efficiency improvements.
• Communicate expectations and review results to reach production goals.

Skills

Supervision

Electrical knowledge

Production experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

High school diploma

Tools

UL508A knowledge

NFPA 70E knowledge

Panel shop experience

Harnessing shop experience

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.

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 9M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class leaders to join the team.

In this role, you will be responsible for the team/shop that builds, deploys, and maintains the systems used to test and validate flight hardware within Starlink Satellite production. You will oversee the creation of highly integrated test racks and industrial control panels, complex harnessing, electronic test fixtures, custom PCBAs, off the shelf equipment, and more. As the supervisor, you will also oversee integration of all these components into a comprehensive and production-ready test system. This role requires keen attention to detail, quality, and safety, and involves successfully managing team development, schedules, budgets, procurement, outsourcing, and related logistics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and manage the production of test systems used to validate flight hardware for Starlink Satellites (Racks, Harnessing, Fixturing, Custom PCBAs, etc.)
• Supervise shop floor activity, including daily/weekly assignments and workflow
• Lead and manage a staff of 10+ workers including all performance management related tasks
• Take extreme ownership of the operations and build queue across all shifts and days
• Collaborate with test engineering partner teams to ensure that communication is high and technical needs and schedules are understood
• Contribute to hands-on builds of test equipment as necessary
• Initiate and foster a spirit of cooperation within the team and other departments
• Implementation and continual improvement of workflows, processes, standards, inventory and shop layouts
• Review work instructions or design updates and make change recommendations when needed
• Responsible for assessing and vetting the appropriate skillset needed for test system production
• Identify training needs and develop training programs
• Monitor labor hours and overtime, implement improvement plans and time management with staff
• Accomplish production results by communicating job expectations, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Identify risks to test system readiness and address the risks accordingly
• Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications
• Maintain tooling and consumable supply inventory
• Improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement
• Continuously improve process and manpower efficiency, utilization and productivity
• Coach and support professional development of direct reports

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 4+ years of assembly and/or production experience
• 1+ years of supervisor or management experience
• Working knowledge of electrical systems and components

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience in the manufacturing of test systems, mechanical systems, and electrical systems
• Experience working with or as part of a panel shop and/or harnessing shop
• Experience or working knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 70 (NEC), and NFPA 70E
• Experience bringing teams and processes from development to production
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production
• Able to adapt to constant changing work assignments and fast paced work environment
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Safety training and/or safety certifications
• Lean manufacturing training and experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be open to work all shifts, extended hours and/or weekends as needed. This role will be covering 1 st shift (typical start time is 6:30AM)
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

SUPERVISOR, TEST SYSTEM PRODUCTION (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 9M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class leaders to join the team.

In this role, you will be responsible for the team/shop that builds, deploys, and maintains the systems used to test and validate flight hardware within Starlink Satellite production. You will oversee the creation of highly integrated test racks and industrial control panels, complex harnessing, electronic test fixtures, custom PCBAs, off the shelf equipment, and more. As the supervisor, you will also oversee integration of all these components into a comprehensive and production-ready test system. This role requires keen attention to detail, quality, and safety, and involves successfully managing team development, schedules, budgets, procurement, outsourcing, and related logistics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and manage the production of test systems used to validate flight hardware for Starlink Satellites (Racks, Harnessing, Fixturing, Custom PCBAs, etc.)
• Supervise shop floor activity, including daily/weekly assignments and workflow
• Lead and manage a staff of 10+ workers including all performance management related tasks
• Take extreme ownership of the operations and build queue across all shifts and days
• Collaborate with test engineering partner teams to ensure that communication is high and technical needs and schedules are understood
• Contribute to hands-on builds of test equipment as necessary
• Initiate and foster a spirit of cooperation within the team and other departments
• Implementation and continual improvement of workflows, processes, standards, inventory and shop layouts
• Review work instructions or design updates and make change recommendations when needed
• Responsible for assessing and vetting the appropriate skillset needed for test system production
• Identify training needs and develop training programs
• Monitor labor hours and overtime, implement improvement plans and time management with staff
• Accomplish production results by communicating job expectations, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Identify risks to test system readiness and address the risks accordingly
• Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications
• Maintain tooling and consumable supply inventory
• Improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement
• Continuously improve process and manpower efficiency, utilization and productivity
• Coach and support professional development of direct reports

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 4+ years of assembly and/or production experience
• 1+ years of supervisor or management experience
• Working knowledge of electrical systems and components

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline
• 3+ years of experience in the manufacturing of test systems, mechanical systems, and electrical systems
• Experience working with or as part of a panel shop and/or harnessing shop
• Experience or working knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 70 (NEC), and NFPA 70E
• Experience bringing teams and processes from development to production
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with engineering and production
• Able to adapt to constant changing work assignments and fast paced work environment
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Safety training and/or safety certifications
• Lean manufacturing training and experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be open to work all shifts, extended hours and/or weekends as needed. This role will be covering 1 st shift (typical start time is 6:30AM)
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range: $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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

• 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]