Maintenance Engineer, Chemical (Starlink PCB)

As a Maintenance Engineer, Chemical at SpaceX, your responsibilities include troubleshooting and resolving technical equipment failures, leading maintenance technicians, and performing root cause analysis for various equipment and process issues. You will develop and execute improvement projects aimed at enhancing production equipment availability, collaborating with engineering teams to increase reliability, and ensuring effective maintenance practices are incorporated within the production process.

To qualify for the Maintenance Engineer, Chemical role at SpaceX, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline along with at least 1 year of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. Preferred qualifications include a degree in chemical engineering, more than 3 years of troubleshooting experience, and familiarity with PCB chemical processing equipment. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in various industrial management systems.

Essential technical skills for the Maintenance Engineer, Chemical position at SpaceX include the ability to troubleshoot PCB chemical processing equipment and a variety of process equipment such as pumps and distillation systems. Familiarity with MRP, ERP, and CMMS systems is also important. Candidates should possess hands-on experience with industrial automation and be capable of interpreting mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.

A typical day for a Maintenance Engineer, Chemical at SpaceX involves leading troubleshooting efforts on complex equipment failures, collaborating with teams on project execution, and participating in root cause analysis. You will spend a significant amount of time interacting with maintenance technicians, providing guidance, and ensuring that production equipment is running optimally. Additionally, you will focus on continuous improvement efforts and engage with cross-functional engineering teams.

SpaceX is committed to fostering the professional growth of its employees, including Maintenance Engineers, Chemical. Through collaborative projects and hands-on experience, you will gain practical skills and knowledge. The company encourages continuous learning, providing opportunities for project leadership and innovative problem-solving, which are essential for career advancement in a fast-paced environment.

Certainly! Highlight specific projects where you've successfully diagnosed and repaired PCB chemical processing equipment. Discuss the methods you utilized for troubleshooting, any technical challenges you faced, and how you contributed to improving the equipment's reliability in a manufacturing setting.

In your response, detail a specific instance where you led a team to resolve a technical issue. Outline the steps you took to assess the situation, assign tasks, and communicate effectively. Emphasize any positive outcomes, such as improved team dynamics or resolved equipment failures resulting from your leadership.

Discuss how you assess project urgency and impact on production. Explain your methodology for creating a prioritized list and how you manage resources and timelines to ensure that critical repairs are addressed promptly while maintaining overall productivity.

Explain the techniques you employ for root cause analysis, such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, or Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA). Share an example of how you effectively identified a root cause in a previous role and implemented corrective measures.

Detail your experience with developing and implementing preventive maintenance strategies. Discuss how you’ve utilized data and predictive tools, such as vibration analysis, to enhance reliability and prolong the lifespan of production equipment.

Provide a specific example where you gathered feedback from team members on existing processes, analyzed the input, and made adjustments that led to tangible improvements in efficiency, safety, or equipment reliability.

Emphasize the essential part Maintenance Engineers play in ensuring safety compliance by proactively identifying hazards, maintaining equipment according to safety standards, and leading safety training for technicians. Provide examples of how you’ve contributed to maintaining a safe working environment.

Share the software and tools you routinely use, such as CMMS, ERP systems, and any specific diagnostic tools. Discuss how these tools aid your decision-making and improve overall maintenance efficiency.

Describe your approach to managing unexpected equipment failures, including your initial assessment, prioritization of repairs, and communication with affected teams. Highlight your ability to keep production disruptions to a minimum.

Communicate your passion for the aerospace industry and your admiration for SpaceX's innovations. Discuss how your skills and values align with the company's mission, and express your eagerness to contribute to groundbreaking projects like Starlink.