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 MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers for the Avionics Production group in support of the Orbital Communications factory
• Develop and implement a pilot production solution for engineering development and initial flight production of a low-cost, high-performance satellite optical communications terminal
• Drive the development of a high-output, high-quality, low-cost production system to meet internal production goals
• Drive the New Product Introduction process for high-volume, high-complexity satellite optical and electronic hardware product lines
• Work closely with design engineers, internal production resources and external vendors to get parts built on schedule
• Develop, manage and execute capital/operating expenditure plans as forecasted, adapting to changes in planning and future opportunities for improvement
• Drive DFM learning back into the design team to improve the product and reduce the engineering hours per vehicle
• Provide DFX feedback to engineering on printed circuit board, mechanical, harness/interconnect and integration design

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, aerospace, electrical or manufacturing engineering
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment working within a recognized quality system (i.e. AS9100, ISO9001)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, industrial, aerospace, electrical or manufacturing engineering
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design environments within the consumer electronics, mobile handset, medical devices, aerospace or automotive industries
• Working experience mentoring and developing engineering personnel
• Demonstrated experience implementing Design For Manufacture and Design For Test
• Experience with 3D CAD Modeling Software (i.e. NX/Unigraphics, SolidWorks, CATIA) and engineering drawings
• Knowledge of ERP systems, work order creation/management and BOM Structures
• Working proficiency with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
• Experience with optical manufacturing techniques of grinding and polishing hard materials
• Experience and/or certification with statistical process control such as Lean Six Sigma
• Ability to create and deliver presentations for PDR, CDR, Project Update, etc
• Working proficiency with DFMEA and PFMEA methodology and implementation
• Experience with microelectronics and RF component manufacturing processes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing and able to travel up to 40% of the time
• Position may require extended work hours and weekends as needed
• This position will be working with hardware and at times will need to work with their hands in awkward and constrained environments.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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.