Operations Engineer, Starlink Satellites

As an Operations Engineer at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities will include identifying and executing capital equipment upgrades, managing projects to meet tight timelines, and driving improvements in production and supply chain processes. You'll work closely with both development and production teams to ensure that safety, reliability, and process capability goals are met.

The Operations Engineer position at Starlink requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or operations/supply chain management. Ideal candidates will have experience with CAD software, SQL, and business intelligence tools. Strong analytical skills and familiarity with lean and six sigma principles are also highly advantageous.

The Operations Engineer at SpaceX will work on projects that focus on capital equipment and infrastructure upgrades to improve production capabilities. You will also manage initiatives aimed at increasing on-time delivery and reducing scrap rates, ensuring that the Starlink manufacturing processes are efficient.

Operations Engineers at SpaceX enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive salaries, stock options, and long-term incentives. In addition, you'll receive access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, and three weeks of paid vacation, among other perks.

While prior experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred for the Operations Engineer role at SpaceX, it isn't strictly necessary. What is essential is a solid foundation in engineering principles, data analysis, and project management, alongside a willingness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced setting.

When answering this question, consider sharing examples of specific projects where you utilized CAD software. Discuss the types of designs you worked on, how your CAD skills contributed to project outcomes, and how you collaborated with other engineers or teams in the process.

To answer this, think of a time when you identified an inefficiency and took steps to address it. Detail the steps you took, the results or improvements that followed, and how you measured success. This will show your proactive approach to process improvement.

Discuss the tools and methodologies you've employed in your previous roles, such as SQL, Python, or Excel. Provide an example of how a specific analysis led to actionable insights or informed decision-making to enhance operations.

Focus on a specific project where you brought together different teams to achieve a common goal. Highlight your role in coordination and communication, overcoming challenges, and the successful outcome that was achieved through teamwork.

Share details about your experience with MRP/ERP systems or other planning tools. Discuss any specific challenges you faced and how you effectively managed inventory levels or enhanced capacity planning processes to meet production demands.

When discussing lean principles, provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied them in your work. Explain the methods you used, such as value stream mapping or kaizen events, and what impacts those changes had on efficiency and waste reduction.

Discuss a structured approach to problem-solving such as the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) method. Reflect on a real-world scenario where your problem-solving skills led to a tangible solution or improvement.

Talk about software or tools you've used for project management, such as Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project. Share how these tools helped you keep your team aligned, manage deadlines, and track deliverables effectively.

Highlight your ability to assess urgency vs. importance. Provide examples of past scenarios, showcasing how you've effectively managed competing priorities while maintaining focus on critical goals to enhance production output.

Discuss the importance of transparency and regular updates when coordinating with stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've adjusted your communication style to suit various audiences, ensuring that complex engineering concepts are understood and well-received.