Sr. Maintenance Engineer, Mechanical (Starlink PCB)

The Sr. Maintenance Engineer, Mechanical (Starlink PCB) at SpaceX is responsible for engineering ownership of repairs, modifications, and upgrades of equipment in the PCB production line. This includes leading maintenance technicians through troubleshooting complex equipment failures, performing root cause analysis, and developing improvement projects to enhance equipment availability. The role also involves collaboration with various engineering teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in all projects.

To qualify for the Sr. Maintenance Engineer, Mechanical (Starlink PCB) position at SpaceX, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, coupled with a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. Preferred qualifications include experience with PCB manufacturing equipment, familiarity with MRP/ERP/CMMS systems, and proven skills in troubleshooting and performing root cause analysis.

As a Sr. Maintenance Engineer for Starlink, you will play a crucial role in maximizing the availability of critical equipment necessary for production. Your technical expertise will directly impact the production line's ability to meet customer demands for high-quality internet services. By implementing reliability-centered maintenance and engaging in equipment improvement projects, you'll help ensure that Starlink can expand its global reach and deliver high-speed internet to millions.

At SpaceX, a Sr. Maintenance Engineer will engage in various projects focused on equipment improvement and efficiency in the PCB production line. This could involve hands-on repairs, upgrading machinery, implementing predictive maintenance tools, and collaborating with engineering teams to resolve production interruptions. Your role will be pivotal in both immediate troubleshooting and long-term strategic enhancements to the manufacturing process.

The work environment for a Sr. Maintenance Engineer at SpaceX is dynamic and fast-paced, characterized by close collaboration with cross-functional teams. Engineers often work hands-on with cutting-edge technology in an innovative manufacturing space designed to support the ambitious goals of the Starlink project. The role may involve outdoor work and extended hours, as well as travel for short trips to support project execution.

When answering this question, be specific about the types of PCB manufacturing equipment you've worked on, detailing the troubleshooting methodologies you've employed. Discuss any particular challenges you faced and how you resolved them, as well as any improvements you made to processes or equipment that enhanced production efficiency.

To address this question, outline a systematic approach for diagnosing and rectifying the failure. Mention your immediate steps, such as assessing the situation, gathering data, and consulting with maintenance technicians. Highlight the importance of root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences and your willingness to lead the team in a structured troubleshooting effort.

Employ a structured response that includes specific methods you've used for root cause analysis, such as the '5 Whys' or Fishbone diagram. Explain the process you follow when investigating a failure and how you ensure corrective measures are effective and preventive in the long-term.

This question seeks to understand your organizational skills. Share your strategies for prioritizing tasks based on urgency, impact on production, and resource availability. Emphasize your ability to balance immediate repairs with long-term improvement projects, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining high standards of reliability and safety.

Provide a specific instance where you led a team, emphasizing your leadership style. Discuss how you motivated the team, delegated tasks, and navigated challenges. Highlight your communication skills and how you facilitated effective teamwork to achieve project goals.

When responding, describe your experience interacting with CMMS systems, detailing the tasks you performed, such as scheduling maintenance, tracking work orders, and analyzing data for maintenance history. Discuss how you leveraged this technology to improve maintenance strategies.

Mention any professional development tactics you use, such as attending industry conferences, networking with peers, or participating in workshops. Discuss any resources you follow, such as journals or online forums, and how you apply new knowledge to enhance your engineering practices.

Share your views on predictive maintenance, citing your experiences with predictive tools, such as vibration analysis or cycle monitoring. Detail any successful applications you've been involved in, highlighting how these methods have benefited production lines in terms of efficiency and equipment lifespan.

Discuss your approach to maintaining high-quality standards in maintenance operations. Mention practices such as developing detailed work instructions, fostering a culture of feedback among technicians, and employing thorough documentation and follow-up procedures to ensure tasks are performed thoroughly and correctly.

In this case, select a relevant story that showcases your problem-solving skills. Detail the specific problem, your thought process in analyzing it, and the successful resolution you implemented. Highlight any positive outcomes or efficiencies gained as a result of your actions.