Manufacturing Engineer (Composite Lamination)

As a Manufacturing Engineer (Composite Lamination) at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include developing and implementing best practices for composites lamination, tackling manufacturing defects, overseeing complex laminate repairs, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure production efficiency. You'll also be responsible for revising production processes and tooling for laminates used in the Falcon and Dragon spacecraft.

To qualify for the Manufacturing Engineer (Composite Lamination) position at SpaceX, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and have at least one year of hands-on experience in driving design or manufacturing of mechanical components. Preferred skills include advanced composites manufacturing experience and familiarity with tools such as NX/Unigraphics and Teamcenter CAD.

Having hands-on experience with advanced composites manufacturing, especially with 'out of autoclave' prepreg systems, can significantly enhance your application for the Manufacturing Engineer (Composite Lamination) role at SpaceX. Additionally, expertise in transitioning products from prototype to volume production and familiarity with lean manufacturing principles will make you a standout candidate.

Yes, the Manufacturing Engineer (Composite Lamination) position at SpaceX may require extended work hours and the ability to stand, bend, or stoop for long periods while working directly with hardware on the manufacturing floor. Physical fitness to meet these requirements is an essential aspect of the job.

As a Manufacturing Engineer (Composite Lamination) at SpaceX, you can expect competitive salaries ranging from $95,000 to $130,000, depending on experience. Additional benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, vacation time, sick leave, and various performance-based bonuses. There’s also the opportunity to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've used composite materials. Discuss the types of materials you worked with, the processes involved, and any innovations you introduced that improved efficiency or performance.

Share a specific example that details the problem you encountered, the steps you took to identify the root cause, and the solution you implemented. Emphasize your analytical skills and ability to work collaboratively with your team.

Discuss your approach to developing and implementing best practices, including any tools or methodologies you use, such as Lean or Six Sigma. Provide an example of when you improved a process and the positive outcomes from that change.

Be specific about your experience with systems like NX/Unigraphics and Teamcenter. Discuss any projects where you've utilized these tools and how they contributed to successful outcomes in design and production.

Explain your strategies for effective time management and project organization. Providing an example where you successfully met a challenging deadline by coordinating with team members can make your answer more compelling.

Share specific improvements you identified and implemented in previous roles. Highlight quantifiable outcomes, such as reduced production times or cost savings, to illustrate your impact.

Discuss your communication style and how you ensure all team members are on the same page. Provide a specific example where your collaboration led to a successful project outcome.

Research SpaceX's specific composite lamination technologies or projects prior to the interview. Showcase your knowledge about their unique approaches and how your skills could enhance their current processes.

Express your passion for space exploration and how it aligns with your engineering career. Talk about how SpaceX's mission excites you and how you believe your skills can contribute to their goals.

Describe your systematic approach to diagnosing and solving production issues. Highlight your ability to think critically and work under pressure, and provide examples of successful resolutions you've achieved.