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.

LEAD COMPONENTS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Starship Components Manufacturing team assembles, tests, troubleshoots, and delivers valves and fluid components that drive critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy – from cryo capable solenoid valves to hot gox capable compensators. The Starship Valves Lead Components Engineer will coach a team of Build Engineers to introduce new fluid components to the factory, implement flight-like testing, evolve the shop layout and processes, run The Algorithm to accelerate deliveries, and solve nuanced yield/root cause investigations to improve reliability and first pass yield. This leader will help enable the factory of the future and generate creative solutions to overcome bandwidth/hardware issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support production of state-of-the-art, high-reliability valves and fluids components for Starship and Super Heavy.
• Assign hardware/process ownership for new product introduction, troubleshooting, development, and production, while eliminating blockers to assembly and testing.
• Set the standard for a rigorous and efficient factory by questioning assembly/test requirements, deleting parts and manufacturing processes, simplifying/optimizing production flow, accelerating production, and performing cut-in targeted automation.
• Drive high process precision to maximize performance on vehicle.
• Inform design for manufacturability, with piece part/assembly/test in mind, to maximize rate and minimize cost of payload to orbit.
• Act as the chief engineer responsible for closing communication gaps between design, supply, test engineering, and production teams to enable on-time delivery of simple and high-reliability hardware to the vehicle.
• Recruit, train, and coach engineers to meet the needs of Starship.
• Set team goals/priorities, and drive career development, while prioritizing personnel safety above all else.
• Develop robust/simple work instructions, and track defects/part movement in a lightweight and scalable manner.
• Increase factory scrutiny as the products mature in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• 2+ years of professional experience in design, manufacturing, or testing of fluid, mechanical, or pressurized systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Leadership or mentorship experience in a hardware production environment.
• Experience in build/test development and on-time delivery of new components to the vehicle.
• Proficient in interpretation of electrical/fluid schematics, engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists.
• Experience working with fluid and electromechanical components such as motors, gear trains, sensors, valves, actuators, and regulators.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels in the organization including technicians, engineers, and executive team.
• Experience in troubleshooting and resolving component issues through review of launch vehicle/ground schematics and root cause testing.
• Familiarity with Starship component factory products and/or experience quickly building product knowledge.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX sites and vendors as needed.
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:      

Pay range:      

Lead Components Engineer: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.