Build Specialist, Barrel Production (Starship)

The role

The Build Specialist for Barrels and Domes Primary Structures focuses on root cause, escalations, and line efficiency. This person ensures quality, reliability, and efficient production of Starship core propellant tank structures.

What you will do

• Lead data-driven root cause analysis on equipment failures, quality defects, and process variability
• Own engineering escalations end-to-end and coordinate with design and manufacturing engineers
• Drive day-to-day waste reduction and line efficiency on flexible barrel lines
• Troubleshoot complex equipment and tooling issues
• Conduct quality inspections and enforce process standards
• Drive continuous improvement and 5S
• Support assembly process updates and new equipment integration
• Partner with engineering to improve utilization efficiency
• Verify safety, compliance, and process integrity on the floor

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment; OR Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• Must be able to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours minimum)
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted (and up to 50 lbs for short durations)
• Must be able to travel up to 5%
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 200 feet) and in confined spaces
• Able to work outdoors (heat, cold, rain) and in environments with fumes, odors, and noise
• Stand/Walk: up to 10 hours
• Sit: up to 3 hours
• Push/Pull: up to 75 lbs (unassisted) 1–2 hours
• Overhead reach / Upper body twist / Kneel/Crouch: up to 6 hours
• Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours

Nice to have

• Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 2+ years in a manufacturing, process planning, or continuous improvement role with strong root-cause ownership
• 2+ years of professional experience in an aerospace, aviation, automotive, and/or manufacturing environment
• Experience in automated laser welding / laser cutting
• Proven experience leading structured problem-solving (5 Whys, A3, 8D, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with Lean tools (5S, waste elimination, value-stream thinking, Kanban, OEE, PFMEA, poka-yoke)
• Strong data analysis skills (Excel, VBA, SQL, or similar)
• Experience mentoring technicians, enforcing standards, and driving knowledge transfer
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting, tooling changes, workstation optimization, and flexible/mixed-model lines
• Experience taking processes from development through rate production

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

About the company

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. The company is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars.