Manufacturing Specialist, Powder Coating & High-Pressure Die Casting (Starlink)

As a Manufacturing Specialist at SpaceX, your responsibilities will include executing new product introduction builds across powder coating and high-pressure die casting, programming and operating automated equipment, and addressing production issues. You'll also be responsible for ensuring design integrity and product quality, along with identifying continuous improvement opportunities. This role plays a pivotal part in the high-volume production of user terminals for the Starlink mission.

To apply for the Manufacturing Specialist position at SpaceX, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalency certificate along with at least 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, or science. Preferred candidates may have additional experience in powder coating, high-pressure die casting, or equivalent hardware manufacturing, as well as excellent communication skills and teamwork abilities.

The Manufacturing Specialist role is crucial to the success of SpaceX's Starlink project as it involves establishing and refining manufacturing processes necessary for producing user terminals. Your work will help ensure that these products are manufactured at scale with high quality and reliability, which is vital for delivering dependable internet service to customers around the world. This position allows you to directly impact the performance of Starlink's services.

Preferred skills for the Manufacturing Specialist role at SpaceX include an associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, experience in powder coating or high-pressure die casting processes, and familiarity with automated equipment like ABB automation and Wagner powder coating systems. Knowledge of electrical troubleshooting and strong computer skills will also be advantageous in this fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The work environment for a Manufacturing Specialist at SpaceX is dynamic and fast-paced, ideal for individuals who thrive on challenges. You will be involved in both hands-on manufacturing tasks and problem-solving activities and will often collaborate with a team. The position requires adaptability, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results within aggressive timelines.

When discussing your experience with powder coating processes, highlight specific projects where you were involved in either setup or production. Talk about the techniques you used, any innovative solutions you implemented, and how your work contributed to project success. Emphasize your hands-on skills and ability to troubleshoot equipment issues for optimal outcomes.

In a fast-paced manufacturing environment, prioritizing tasks effectively is crucial. Explain your method for assessing urgency and impact. Discuss using tools or systems to track production schedules and delineate responsibilities among team members. Highlight your ability to adapt to changes without compromising quality or timelines.

Discuss your approach to identifying continuous improvement opportunities, such as data analysis, soliciting feedback from team members, and implementing lean manufacturing principles. Share examples where you've recognized inefficiencies and suggesting actionable improvements that led to better yield, quality, or cost reductions.

During an interview, outline your step-by-step process for addressing non-conforming products. Explain the importance of documentation and communication with your team, and discuss how you would investigate the root cause. Emphasizing a proactive approach to resolving issues and implementing preventive measures is essential.

When answering this question, highlight a specific situation where you successfully resolved a production problem quickly. Explain the steps you took, your rationale behind decision-making, and the outcome. Emphasize teamwork, communication, and resourcefulness, culminating in a positive impact on production timelines.

To maintain quality in a fast-paced setting, I focus on adhering to established processes and best practices. I keep close attention to detail, perform regular quality checks, and encourage open communication within the team. Discuss any tools or techniques you use to ensure that production standards are consistently met without sacrificing speed.

Discuss the types of automated equipment you've worked with, detailing both the brands and the specific tasks you performed with them. Highlight your technical skills, such as programming and troubleshooting, and how these capabilities can be an asset in the Manufacturing Specialist role at SpaceX.

In situations of disagreement, I believe in fostering an open dialogue among team members. Share your strategy for facilitating a constructive discussion to find a common ground and reach consensus. Talk about the importance of weighing all perspectives and focusing on the goals of quality and efficiency as guiding factors.

When ensuring a smooth transition from development to volume production, I prioritize thorough documentation, effective training of the production team, and clear communication with engineering. Discuss using pilot runs to validate processes and identifying any potential bottlenecks early on to minimize disruptions, thereby ensuring a seamless shift.

Discuss your proactive approach to learning new technologies or processes, such as seeking out training opportunities, participating in workshops, or engaging with knowledgeable colleagues. Emphasize your adaptability and eagerness to integrate new knowledge into your work, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.