Manufacturing Engineer (Merlin Nozzle Extension) - 2nd Shift - job 1 of 2

As a Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include supporting day-to-day production of the Merlin Nozzle Extension, analyzing manufacturing discrepancies, developing and assessing manufacturing processes, providing subject matter expertise, and fostering strong communication with various departments such as production and quality assurance.

To be considered for the Manufacturing Engineer position at SpaceX, you must hold a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, along with at least one year of mechanical design or hands-on manufacturing experience. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree and knowledge of aerospace welding systems and non-destructive testing.

The work schedule for a Manufacturing Engineer in the 2nd shift at SpaceX runs from 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Monday through Friday. Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed is also a requirement.

Preferred skills for the Manufacturing Engineer role at SpaceX include experience with aerospace welding systems, non-destructive testing, CAD software, GD&T, tooling design, and familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or equivalent high-performance culture systems.

As a Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX, you can expect a competitive salary range based on your experience and skills, along with comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, and generous vacation time among several other benefits.

When responding to this question, be sure to highlight specific manufacturing processes you've worked with, particularly those relevant to SpaceX, such as machining, welding, or assembly. Cite examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you optimized these processes for efficiency.

Your answer should reflect a strong understanding of SpaceX's commitment to making life multiplanetary and emphasize your alignment with their innovative and forward-thinking values. Provide insights into how your engineering work contributes to these objectives.

Detail a specific instance where you encountered a manufacturing issue. Explain your thought process and actions, focusing on teamwork and the steps you took to conduct a root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Discuss any tools or methodologies you utilize to improve the ease of manufacturing. Mention practices like GD&T, capacity modeling, and how design improvements can reduce costs and enhance product quality.

Share specific methods you’ve used to support and mentor junior team members, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing, hands-on coaching, and fostering an environment where questions are encouraged.

Describe your familiarity with various non-destructive testing methods, such as ultrasonic or radiographic testing, and how you have applied them in previous roles to ensure product integrity.

List any CAD and manufacturing software you are skilled in, such as NX or Teamcenter, and explain how you’ve utilized these tools in previous projects to enhance productivity and improve design outcomes.

Provide examples that demonstrate your time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks while maintaining high standards of quality, showing how you can adapt under pressure.

This question allows you to showcase your critical thinking. Offer insights based on your knowledge and experience, while also showing a willingness to understand and adapt to SpaceX's unique processes and systems.

Craft your response around the values and goals of SpaceX, expressing your passion for aerospace and how your engineering skills can contribute to groundbreaking projects in a pioneering company.