Build Reliability Engineer (Starship) - job 1 of 2

As a Build Reliability Engineer at SpaceX, your main responsibilities include partnering with design engineering and manufacturing teams to create quality plans, gathering and analyzing data to identify failures and root causes, and collaborating with production teams to improve manufacturing processes. You will also conduct regular build quality reviews to ensure design intent is achieved and work diligently to mitigate risks and enhance reliability throughout the Starship vehicle's lifecycle.

To qualify for the Build Reliability Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates need a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline such as mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering. Additionally, a minimum of one year in a manufacturing, quality, or design engineering role is preferred, and experience with quality tools and process controls in a high-volume environment is favored, particularly if you have a Master's degree.

Essential skills for a Build Reliability Engineer at SpaceX include strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, innovative thinking, and practical knowledge of manufacturing processes. Experience with data acquisition systems, CNC machining or other special manufacturing processes, and familiarity with quality tools like Lean principles and Six Sigma will also be beneficial in this role, as you'll be working closely with various teams to enhance reliability.

The workplace culture at SpaceX is dynamic, inclusive, and driven by innovation. As a Build Reliability Engineer, you'll be part of a collaborative team that values creativity and collective efforts to tackle challenging tasks. Everyone here is passionate about our mission of making human life multiplanetary, which fosters a sense of camaraderie and a rewarding work environment.

As a Build Reliability Engineer at SpaceX, you contribute directly to our mission by ensuring the reliability of the Starship vehicle at every stage of production and operation. Your work in analyzing data, identifying risks, and implementing quality improvements helps pave the way for successful launches and ultimately facilitates human life on other planets.

Discuss your passion for engineering and space exploration, emphasizing how SpaceX's mission aligns with your career goals. Highlight specific aspects of the company's innovative approach and commitment to quality that resonate with your professional values.

Detail your proficiency with quality management systems, citing specific examples from your previous roles. Focus on your ability to enforce requirements related to traceability and configuration management, and how these processes enhance the reliability of products.

Outline your systematic problem-solving methods, incorporating data analysis and teamwork. Mention any specific frameworks or tools you’ve used in past projects that helped you identify root causes and implement effective solutions.

Explain your proactive approach to risk management, such as conducting thorough analyses and regular reviews. Discuss how you prioritize risks and collaborate with integrated product teams to create risk mitigation plans.

Talk about your communication style and techniques that foster collaboration. Highlight instances where clear communication facilitated project success, ensuring that all team members are aligned on objectives and expectations.

Provide a specific example of how you identified inefficiencies in a manufacturing process and the steps you took to enhance productivity or quality. Discuss the outcome and any quantifiable improvements achieved.

Discuss the principles of Lean methodology and their importance in quality engineering. Explain how you've successfully implemented Lean practices to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve product quality.

Share your strategies for staying informed about technological advancements, such as attending industry conferences, engaging in communities, or pursuing continuing education. Reflect on how this knowledge has influenced your work.

Mention any specific software tools or methodologies—like Python, MATLAB, or statistical analysis—that you have used for data analysis in past manufacturing roles. Describe how these helped inform your decision-making process.

Emphasize your openness to feedback and continuous improvement. Provide an example of how you’ve received criticism in the past and how it enabled you to grow professionally and enhance your contributions to a team.