About this role
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.
PRODUCTION OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
As a Production Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for leading functional checkouts and hazardous testing of Starship/Super Heavy vehicles to validate propellant, electrical, and integrated systems against design intent. Your role will focus on establishing test criteria and pass/fail requirements, developing first-article procedures, performing pressurized and sensor checkouts, and driving real-time troubleshooting plus feedback to eliminate repeat issues. You will work daily with engineering and technician teams in the field while continuously improving testing efficiency, safety, and overall vehicle readiness.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Directly support functional checkouts of Starship/Superheavy vehicles
• Establish test criteria and pass/fail requirements for integrated vehicle checkouts
• Work improvements to testing efficiency and safety of vehicle testing
• Lead hazardous testing operations to validate vehicle build and ensure propellant and electrical systems are built per design intent
• Perform pressurized checkouts as well as electrical/sensor checkouts via control console
• Develop procedures and processes for ‘first-article’ validation
• Troubleshoot hardware issues real-time, and drive feedback to correct owners to eliminate repeat issues
• Interface with both engineering and technicians in the field
• Develop deep understanding of vehicle construction and avionics/propulsion architecture
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of project and/or professional experience with fluid systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Experience creating, reading, and interpreting electrical and fluid schematics
• Systems engineering experience, ability to understand multi-disciplinary integrated systems
• Hands-on build experience
• Familiar with fluids system component functionality as well as electrical system operation (low voltage and high voltage)
• Previous fluids or data acquisition design
• Real-time operations/integrated hazardous test experience
• Experience using and troubleshooting ground control systems required for remote operations and instrumentation feedback
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
• Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be willing to travel to our launch sites in support of buil