Manufacturing Engineer, Machining (Starship)

As a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in Machining at SpaceX, your main responsibilities would include developing machining capabilities for the Starship components team, analyzing piece parts for manufacturability, maintaining quality control, and ensuring efficient integration with production teams. You'll also be involved in equipment maintenance and procurement to support high-precision production and contribute to cost optimization initiatives.

To be considered for the Manufacturing Engineer Machining position at SpaceX, you should have a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, along with at least one year of machine shop experience. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree, proficiency in CNC programming, and experience with advanced metrology systems. Strong knowledge of machining processes will be essential for this role.

As a Manufacturing Engineer in Machining at SpaceX, you will work with state-of-the-art machining equipment, including CNC machines, conventional lathes and mills, along with various precision metrology systems. You'll be responsible for setting up and operating this equipment while ensuring all tools are calibrated and maintained for optimal performance.

Collaboration between engineering and production teams at SpaceX is key to success in your role as a Manufacturing Engineer in Machining. You will maintain a close feedback loop with these teams to ensure that the designs are optimized for manufacturing and assembly. Regular communication helps to identify challenges, implement rapid iterations, and ensure the quality and efficiency of manufactured components.

At SpaceX, the career growth potential for a Manufacturing Engineer in Machining is significant. With continuous learning and hands-on experience on advanced aerospace technologies, you can take on more complex responsibilities, lead projects, and potentially move into managerial roles. SpaceX actively encourages innovation and professional development, providing a dynamic environment for career advancement.

When answering this question, be specific about the types of CNC machines you've worked with, the programming languages you are familiar with, and any projects you’ve completed that utilized CNC programming. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you resolved them.

Discuss the steps you take to maintain quality, such as conducting regular inspections, using measurement tools, and following industry standards. Provide examples of quality issues you've encountered and how you addressed them to ensure the final product met specifications.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Highlight your analytical skills, your ability to collaborate with others, and the successful outcomes of your efforts to show how you bring innovation to manufacturing processes.

In your response, focus on the types of metrology systems you have worked with. Discuss how you've used these systems to improve precision in manufacturing and the impact they had on overall product quality.

Think about common challenges faced in manufacturing, such as equipment failures or supply chain issues, and discuss proactive measures you would take, like continuous monitoring, implementing maintenance schedules, or effective supplier communication.

Highlight the importance of communication and collaboration in resolving conflicts. Describe your approach to facilitating discussions to arrive at mutually agreeable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard.

Discuss the techniques you apply, such as using project management tools, setting clear goals, and remaining flexible to adjust priorities as needed. Give an example demonstrating your successful implementation of these techniques.

Emphasize the importance of feedback in both your own development and the improvement of processes. Share how you actively seek feedback from colleagues and how you incorporate that feedback to drive better outcomes.

Talk about your understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing and how you've applied it in previous projects. Provide detailed examples that demonstrate your proficiency and how it contributes to precision manufacturing.

Share your passion for innovation and technology, and how the aerospace sector excites you. This is an opportunity to connect your personal motivations with SpaceX's mission of exploring the stars, illustrating your alignment with the company’s core goals.