Sr. Water Operations Engineer (Starlink PCB)

As a Sr. Water Operations Engineer at SpaceX, your responsibilities will include managing the construction and activation of an ultrapure water treatment facility, designing and implementing fluid systems that adhere to both SpaceX standards and regulatory requirements, and conducting data analysis to ensure effective plant operations. You will also develop operational procedures, collaborate with various teams, and identify continuous improvement opportunities to advance our manufacturing capabilities.

To qualify for the Sr. Water Operations Engineer position at SpaceX, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and at least 5 years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment. Preferred qualifications include over 7 years of experience in wastewater treatment, as well as familiarity with mechanical and electromechanical design. Hands-on experience with industrial machinery and a solid understanding of process parameters will also set you apart.

Skills that enhance your chances of securing the Sr. Water Operations Engineer position at SpaceX include expertise in reading and interpreting process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), as well as experience with mechanical equipment and systems. Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and the ability to develop project plans will also be beneficial for potential candidates.

The work environment for a Sr. Water Operations Engineer at SpaceX is dynamic and collaborative, requiring close interaction with manufacturing and engineering teams. You will frequently engage with senior leadership during design phases, ensuring that procedures and systems align with SpaceX’s goals. Additionally, the role may require working in varying conditions, including outdoors and around complex machinery, while ensuring safety standards are met.

As a Sr. Water Operations Engineer at SpaceX, your work will have a significant impact on the Starlink mission by ensuring the production line for printed circuit boards operates efficiently and reliably. Your leadership in managing water treatment processes will directly contribute to the quality and manufacturability of the devices powering global connectivity, especially for communities lacking reliable internet access.

In answering this question, focus on specific projects you’ve worked on involving ultrapure water treatment. Highlight your involvement in system design, operational monitoring, and any troubleshooting you performed, showcasing how your contributions improved efficiency or quality.

Here, discuss various methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement practices you’ve applied in past roles. Provide examples of how you implemented these methodologies in previous projects to achieve measurable results.

You should demonstrate your understanding of regulatory standards relevant to water treatment and PCB manufacturing. Discuss your experience with compliance audits and how you ensure all processes meet safety and environmental regulations.

Employ the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to outline the challenge, your role in addressing it, the actions taken, and the successful outcome. This provides a clear narrative that demonstrates your problem-solving skills.

Talk about methods you use to maintain organization, such as setting clear priorities based on project deadlines and potential impacts. Mention tools or systems that you or your teams utilized for efficient task management.

Discuss specific CAD software tools you’ve used, your proficiency level, and any significant projects where your design work played a fundamental role. Highlight how this experience positions you to contribute effectively as a Sr. Water Operations Engineer.

Illustrate your approach to fostering teamwork, mentioning regular meetings, collaborative planning sessions, and communication tools. Provide examples of how this approach led to successful project outcomes.

Discuss resources such as industry publications, conferences, online courses, and professional networks that you engage with to keep your knowledge current. Emphasizing a commitment to continuous learning is key.

Highlight specific safety protocols that are essential for your engineering work. Explain how you ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a culture of safety within your teams.

Share specific examples of continuous improvement projects you've initiated, detailing the problem, your actions, and the positive impact this had on operations, emphasizing measurable outcomes as much as possible.