Operations Engineer (Production)

About SpaceX

SpaceX is driven by the vision that humanity's future lies in exploring the stars. The company actively develops the technologies to enable this future, aiming to make human life sustainable on Mars.

Role Overview

The Operations Engineer within production supports Falcon and Dragon manufacturing programs, focusing on strategic planning, streamlining production processes, and coordinating resources effectively. This position involves leading multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing, testing, launch, and recovery operations in a rapid and dynamic environment. The ideal candidate applies operations engineering, research, industrial engineering, and data science techniques to tackle complex problems and influence production decisions.

Responsibilities

• Build and utilize analytical tools to assess production delivery, capacity, and cost issues to inform operational decisions.
• Collaborate on formulating and managing production strategies that reduce risks and exploit opportunities to enhance quality, productivity, safety, and cost-efficiency.
• Create process flow models to simulate and understand manufacturing system behaviors and align outputs with company objectives.
• Identify and analyze operational obstacles, uncover root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Track key performance indicators and define decision points to optimize manufacturing in line with demand forecasts.
• Drive continuous improvements within and across production elements.
• Work closely with departments including supply chain, engineering, operations, and accounting to synchronize activities.
• Document and preserve best practices and lessons learned related to production systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field.
• At least one year of experience using tools such as Excel, SQL, or Python/R for system modeling or data analysis.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Proficient in statistical analysis, data visualization, and cost/benefit evaluations.
• Experience with CAD software, Power BI, and discrete event simulation tools.
• Familiarity with inventory management, production planning, and MRP/ERP systems.
• Background as an industrial, operations, process, or manufacturing engineer in a development manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and related operational methodologies.
• Educational or professional experience in management science, operations engineering, operations research, or industrial engineering.
• Track record contributing to multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to perform under fast-paced and high-pressure conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends around major project milestones.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the workweek to other company locations.
• Must successfully pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg sites.
• This position requires onsite presence in Hawthorne, CA; remote or hybrid work options are not available.
• Compensation: Base salary ranges depend on the level, from $100,000 to $140,000 annually. Total compensation includes long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and employee stock purchase plans.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance; 401(k); disability and life insurance; paid parental leave; three weeks paid vacation; at least 10 paid holidays; paid sick leave according to company policy.
• ITAR Compliance: Candidates must be U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export control regulations.
• SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a discrimination-free hiring process regardless of legally protected status.