Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Tool & Die Machining (Starlink)

As a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer for Tool & Die Machining at SpaceX, you'll be responsible for leading projects that focus on developing manufacturing technologies for the Starlink project. Your role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing equipment specifications, developing process strategies, and ensuring effective communication with suppliers. You'll also create business plans, maintain project schedules, and research new materials and tooling designs to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

To qualify for the Sr. Manufacturing Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials engineering, or a related field, along with at least 6 years of experience in high-precision machining. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline, as well as experience in leadership roles within manufacturing environments.

Key skills for the Sr. Manufacturing Engineer role at SpaceX include strong 3D CAD skills, preferably in Siemens NX, and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes like injection molding, CNC machining, and die casting. Familiarity with project management, cost estimation, and material selection is also critical. Strong communication and collaboration skills are important to build relationships with diverse teams and suppliers.

The expected salary range for the Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Tool & Die Machining position at SpaceX is between $125,000 to $175,000 per year, based on experience, education, and individual qualifications. In addition to base salary, benefits such as stock options, medical coverage, and paid time off are included in the total compensation package.

The Sr. Manufacturing Engineer position at SpaceX typically requires about 30% travel, which may increase during critical manufacturing and test campaigns. This travel may involve visiting other SpaceX sites or vendor locations, providing opportunities to engage with various teams and technologies.

When answering this question, highlight your method of developing detailed project plans that outline all phases of production, including timelines, resource allocation, and team collaboration. Emphasize your experience in using project management tools and techniques to ensure successful and timely delivery of projects.

In your response, discuss specific projects where you managed high-precision machining processes, detailing the types of machinery and techniques used. Provide examples of how your work impacted product quality and project timelines.

Focus on your approach to fostering open communication and teamwork with design engineers. Discuss how you work together to optimize designs for manufacturability, ensuring manufacturing constraints and production costs are considered early in the design phase.

Discuss your commitment to continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma. Provide examples of how you've implemented changes that resulted in increased efficiency, reduced waste, or enhanced product quality.

Share resources and methods you use to keep abreast of advancements in manufacturing technology, such as attending industry conferences, following relevant publications, and participating in professional networks. Highlight any specific technologies you've recently integrated into your projects.

Choose a relevant example that demonstrates your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Describe the situation, the approach you took to identify solutions, and the outcome of your efforts in resolving the issue.

Describe your methodology for estimating costs throughout the different phases of manufacturing. Include details about how you account for tooling, labor, materials, and overhead to provide accurate estimates to stakeholders.

In your response, illustrate your time management and prioritization skills. Discuss specific strategies you’ve utilized to meet deadlines without compromising quality, such as optimizing workflows or increasing team resources when necessary.

Emphasize the importance of clear and effective communication in all aspects of engineering projects. Talk about how you ensure that all team members are aligned, share project updates, and facilitate discussions between engineering and other departments.

Provide a comprehensive overview of the injection molding process, discussing its benefits and limitations. Share any relevant experience you have with tooling design in injection molding, focusing on how you’ve applied this knowledge in practical settings.