Lead Equipment Reliability Engineer (Starship)

Starbase, TX

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

LEAD EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

As Starship production scales to meet the soaring demands of the space industry, the Lead Equipment Reliability Engineer will spearhead the strategic oversight and enhancement of critical equipment systems essential for building, integrating, and testing our products. This leadership role is pivotal in driving the reliability of SpaceX’s production assets, guiding a team to diagnose complex issues, implement innovative solutions, and execute reliability strategies that minimize downtime, optimize asset efficiency, and ensure the seamless operation of Starship manufacturing processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the design, development, and deployment of a reliability SCADA system for Starship manufacturing
  • Oversee integration of equipment into SpaceX’s Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time performance monitoring, automated ticket generation, and advanced analytics
  • Spearhead implementation of predictive and condition-based monitoring triggers to preempt equipment failures
  • Direct investigations and drive design improvements across all Starship manufacturing tooling, with a primary focus on electrical and automation systems
  • Oversee the layout and compliance of new industrial electrical control panels, ensuring adherence to NFPA79, NEC, and UL508A standards, while mentoring the team in creating electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
  • Develop and manage comprehensive equipment improvement plans, enhancing maintenance strategies and maximizing production equipment availability
  • Guide the team in conducting root cause analysis (RCA) to develop engineering solutions for repetitive or high-consequence failures on critical equipment
  • Ensure the creation of intuitive HMI screens for complex machinery, providing clear, actionable feedback for troubleshooting
  • Lead Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) to establish proactive reliability programs for critical equipment
  • Foster cross-functional collaboration to drive process improvements, oversee design iterations, and manage full-scale equipment overhauls
  • Partner with internal tooling, automation, and production teams to ensure maintainability is prioritized in the design of new equipment
  • Establish and monitor maintenance and reliability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), driving equipment improvements and organizational efficiency
  • Provide strategic technical guidance to production, maintenance management, and technical personnel, while supporting the team in resolving complex issues

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, reliability, or operations
  • 1+ years of experience leading a project, team, or people

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Deep expertise in mechanical, fluid, and electrical component functions
  • Proficiency in Microsoft SQL and PowerBI for data analysis and reporting
  • Strong ability to interpret equipment schematics, P&ID, GD&T, and OEM manuals
  • Comprehensive understanding of maintenance and reliability KPIs (OEE, MTBF, MTTR)
  • Exceptional organizational skills and a proven ability to lead with urgency in high-stakes environments
  • Extensive experience in process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems
  • Proficiency with robotic weld applications (Kuka, ABB, Fanuc)
  • Advanced electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
  • Expertise in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 preferred)
  • Proven experience in HMI and SCADA programming
  • In-depth knowledge of field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
  • Demonstrated leadership in building and commissioning high-quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
  • Thorough understanding of NEC, NFPA 79, and UL508A codes
  • Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire and guide a team
  • Proven track record in fast-paced, iterative design and manufacturing environments
  • Ability to lead complex problem-solving initiatives with minimal supervision, both individually and as part of an integrated team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted, lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • Must be able to work at elevated heights and in tight spaces
  • Must be able to work overtime, nights, and weekends with limited notice to meet the business needs
  • Provide 24/7 on-call support for all critical activities and emergency situations

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

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