Manager, Machining Operations (Starlink)
SpaceX
Operations
Bastrop, TX, USA
Posted on Feb 12, 2026
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.
MANAGER, MACHINING OPERATIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and manage a team of multi-skilled Engineers, Programmers, Machinists, Inspectors, and Technicians for Starlink machining operations
- Regularly drive improvements with engineering and operations to improve manufacturability, cycle times, cost, and quality
- Accurately forecast business needs in terms of headcount, operational expenses, and capital, and implement plans to deliver to program targets
- Set priorities for the team based on strengths and maximizing output; delegate and manage team bandwidth to achieve successful tasks and projects
- Coordinate with the greater Starlink team to ensure the machine shop’s focus correctly prioritizes projects that are the most impactful to Starlink success
- Meet tight schedules to achieve high output for production and engineering, while adapting to changing priorities in a fast-moving environment
- Think creatively, question the status quo while following documentation and maintaining prescribed quality standards
- Implement machine maintenance schedules and back-up spares availability to ensure uptime and output performance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or 3+ years of professional experience in lieu of a degree
- 5+ years of experience in a precision machining environment
- 2+ years direct people leadership experience in a development or production machining environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 10+ years leadership experience in a machine shop environment
- 5+ CNC machining process development (start to finish NPI)
- Experience executing full scope machining facility build-outs
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- Experience operating 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mill machines and lathes with live tooling
- Programming experience with NX or similar software
- Precision inspection experience including CMM using PC-DMIS software and hand tools such as micrometers, calipers, profilometers, and borescopes
- Experience with interdisciplinary project management
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Travel to Redmond, WA will be required
- Travel to vendor sites may be required
- Travel to launch and test sites may be required
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
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.