THERMAL HARDWARE SPECIALIST, CASTING & LEACHING (STARSHIP)

The Thermal Hardware Specialist is responsible for the continuous monitoring and operation of the tile production, casting, and leaching operations. This role ensures these processes operate efficiently and safely, maintaining optimal conditions to produce high-quality cast heatshield tiles. They will focus on analyzing system performance, training staff, and driving improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability, and will be the bridge between supervisors and day-to-day production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead training sessions, develop systems and processes to ensure technicians have qualifications to monitor fiber delivery casting operations (including hardware, sensors, fluid systems, pumps, motors, actuators, etc.) as well as within system parameters, their importance, controls, and standards
• Oversee fiber delivery system and casting operations processes, ensuring that fiber is delivered to the system correctly, processes, and doses of all material and chemicals are properly done
• Ensure methods and instruments are being correctly operated and that technicians have proper tools and instructions to follow daily checks to ensure system health
• Analyze system trends to propose and review regular inspections and tests to ensure the quality of cast and sintered material meets standards proposed by engineering and development teams
• Implement small-scale system improvements, such as process tweaks, hardware and minor equipment modifications, or workflow optimizations, to boost efficiency and quality
• Ensure that hardware and processes are being optimized and documented to ensure process stability based on lessons learned
• Review, maintain and propose changes to all maintenance plans
• Ensure training for all technicians through documentation and validation of qualifications necessary to perform routine maintenance, ensure operational efficiency and longevity
• Own the spare parts plan and partner with engineering to propose changes as needed
• Perform daily walk downs to identify training and flow gaps and actively propose solutions and actions to increase cell reliability
• Ensure proper training and that daily operations adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, promptly reporting any hazards or incidents
• Maintain accurate records at work orders and assets, being the champion to ensure process changes are well followed and deployed with technicians
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement
• Partner with process and design engineers to ensure correct process and hardware actions to sustain production of quality material
• Take operational ownership of the equipment and processes for fiber delivery and casting systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years of experience with monitoring and operating casting, molding, leaching, reclamation, or chemical manufacturing systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Technical certification in industrial operations or manufacturing
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Demonstrated application of process controls in high volume manufacturing, test, and quality environment
• Knowledge of quality tools, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
• Proficiency in using monitoring and control systems
• Ability to interpret technical data and make informed adjustments
• Computer skill sets such as SQL, Microsoft Office, or other electronic systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments and stand for extended periods
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
• Physical effort with some handling of lightweight supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Must be willing to travel for business and operational needs, travel requirement is up to 15%

THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, HEAT SHIELD (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems by developing and producing the heat shields for our next-generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products 
• Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
• Prepare basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging; check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, and perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven curing
• Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing
• Perform product inspection and rework as required
• Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ year of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
• Experience with composite tooling materials
• Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)
• Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications
• Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases
• Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)
• Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes
• Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • Day shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
  • Night shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
• Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime as necessary, to support business needs
• Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Willing to travel to other sites to support critical business needs (up to 10% of the time)
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position

CASTING SPECIALIST, HEAT SHIELD MANUFACTURING (STARSHIP)

This role is responsible for the continuous monitoring and operation of the tile production, casting, and leaching operations. This role ensures these processes operate efficiently and safely, maintaining optimal conditions to produce high-quality cast heatshield tiles. They will focus on analyzing system performance, training staff, and driving improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability, and will be the bridge between supervisors and day-to-day production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead training sessions, develop systems and processes to ensure technicians have qualifications to monitor fiber delivery casting operations (including hardware, sensors, fluid systems, pumps, motors, actuators, etc.) as well as within system parameters, their importance, controls, and standards
• Oversee fiber delivery system and casting operations processes, ensuring that fiber is delivered to the system correctly, processes, and doses of all material and chemicals are properly done
• Ensure methods and instruments are being correctly operated and that technicians have proper tools and instructions to follow daily checks to ensure system health
• Analyze system trends to propose and review regular inspections and tests to ensure the quality of cast and sintered material meets standards proposed by engineering and development teams
• Implement small-scale system improvements, such as process tweaks, hardware and minor equipment modifications, or workflow optimizations, to boost efficiency and quality
• Ensure that hardware and processes are being optimized and documented to ensure process stability based on lessons learned
• Review, maintain and propose changes to all maintenance plans
• Ensure training for all technicians through documentation and validation of qualifications necessary to perform routine maintenance, ensure operational efficiency and longevity
• Own the spare parts plan and partner with engineering to propose changes as needed
• Perform daily walk downs to identify training and flow gaps and actively propose solutions and actions to increase cell reliability
• Ensure proper training and that daily operations adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, promptly reporting any hazards or incidents
• Maintain accurate records at work orders and assets, being the champion to ensure process changes are well followed and deployed with technicians
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement
• Partner with process and design engineers to ensure correct process and hardware actions to sustain production of quality material
• Take operational ownership of the equipment and processes for fiber delivery and casting systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years of experience with monitoring and operating casting, molding, leaching, reclamation, or chemical manufacturing systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Technical certification in industrial operations or manufacturing
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Demonstrated application of process controls in high volume manufacturing, test, and quality environment
• Knowledge of quality tools, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
• Proficiency in using monitoring and control systems
• Ability to interpret technical data and make informed adjustments
• Computer skill sets such as SQL, Microsoft Office, or other electronic systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments and stand for extended periods
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
• Physical effort with some handling of lightweight supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Must be willing to travel for business and operational needs, travel requirement is up to 15%

LEACHING SPECIALIST, HEAT SHIELD MANUFACTURING (STARSHIP)

This role is responsible for the continuous monitoring and operation of the tile production, casting, and leaching operations. This role ensures these processes operate efficiently and safely, maintaining optimal conditions to produce high-quality cast heatshield tiles. They will focus on analyzing system performance, training staff, and driving improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability, and will be the bridge between supervisors and day-to-day production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead training sessions, develop systems and processes to ensure technicians have qualifications to monitor fiber delivery casting operations (including hardware, sensors, fluid systems, pumps, motors, actuators, etc.) as well as within system parameters, their importance, controls, and standards
• Oversee fiber delivery system and casting operations processes, ensuring that fiber is delivered to the system correctly, processes, and doses of all material and chemicals are properly done
• Ensure methods and instruments are being correctly operated and that technicians have proper tools and instructions to follow daily checks to ensure system health
• Analyze system trends to propose and review regular inspections and tests to ensure the quality of cast and sintered material meets standards proposed by engineering and development teams
• Implement small-scale system improvements, such as process tweaks, hardware and minor equipment modifications, or workflow optimizations, to boost efficiency and quality
• Ensure that hardware and processes are being optimized and documented to ensure process stability based on lessons learned
• Review, maintain and propose changes to all maintenance plans
• Ensure training for all technicians through documentation and validation of qualifications necessary to perform routine maintenance, ensure operational efficiency and longevity
• Own the spare parts plan and partner with engineering to propose changes as needed
• Perform daily walk downs to identify training and flow gaps and actively propose solutions and actions to increase cell reliability
• Ensure proper training and that daily operations adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, promptly reporting any hazards or incidents
• Maintain accurate records at work orders and assets, being the champion to ensure process changes are well followed and deployed with technicians
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement
• Partner with process and design engineers to ensure correct process and hardware actions to sustain production of quality material
• Take operational ownership of the equipment and processes for fiber delivery and casting systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years of experience with monitoring and operating casting, molding, leaching, reclamation, or chemical manufacturing systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Technical certification in industrial operations or manufacturing
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Demonstrated application of process controls in high volume manufacturing, test, and quality environment
• Knowledge of quality tools, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
• Proficiency in using monitoring and control systems
• Ability to interpret technical data and make informed adjustments
• Computer skill sets such as SQL, Microsoft Office, or other electronic systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments and stand for extended periods
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
• Physical effort with some handling of lightweight supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Must be willing to travel for business and operational needs, travel requirement is up to 15%

FIBER FURNACE TECHNICIAN (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS

This position is responsible for the continuous monitoring and operation of a large glass melting furnace utilized in the production of glass fibers through a spin-forming process. This role ensures the furnace operates efficiently and safely, maintaining optimal conditions to produce high-quality silica fibers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and control furnace parameters, including temperature, pressure, and feed rates, to maintain optimal melting conditions
• Oversee melter operations and spin-forming process, ensuring the molten glass is correctly transformed into fibers, carefully documenting process parameters, status of work, and conditions of parts in the process
• Conduct regular inspections and tests to ensure the quality of the glass fibers meets established standards
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the furnace and associated equipment to ensure operational efficiency and longevity
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, promptly reporting any hazards or incidents
• Maintain accurate records of furnace operations, including logs of temperatures, pressures, maintenance activities, and any anomalies
• Troubleshoot, identify and resolve operational issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement
• Support a high level process review with design engineers to ensure correct process and hardware actions to sustain production of quality material
• Take operational ownership of the equipment and processes for designated furnace in the glass plant

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience in furnace operation, glass melting or high-temperature processes

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Technical certification in industrial operations or a related field is preferred
• Proficiency in using monitoring and control systems; ability to interpret technical data and make informed adjustments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:                                                       

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • Day shift: 6:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday - Saturday or Sunday - Wednesday
  • Night shift: 6:00pm - 6:30am Wednesday - Saturday or Sunday - Wednesday
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

PRODUCTION CONTROL SCHEDULER, HEAT SHIELD (STARSHIP)

The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team is responsible for developing and producing the heat shields that protect humanity’s most advanced spacecraft, Starship. The Production Control Scheduler will provide critical tactical scheduling support to production teams building and integrating ceramic heat shield tiles for Starship in a high-growth, high-output manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on coordination role that demands precision, foresight, and relentless focus on keeping complex production schedules on track. This role will orchestrate inputs across manufacturing, development, engineering, and supply chain to maintain accurate master schedules, proactively mitigate risks, and deliver clear daily priorities that drive efficient execution and on-time delivery against aggressive vehicle production goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide tactical scheduling support to production teams, coordinating input from engineering, manufacturing, development, suppliers, and other stakeholders to maintain accurate Master Schedules using Microsoft Office, Factory Scheduler, ERP/MRP systems, or other tools as required
• Work across departments to identify critical work requests ahead/behind targets and mitigate schedule risks, ensuring dates align with vehicle production needs
• Prepare daily work schedules for multiple areas, track progress, update critical path schedules, and communicate adjustments to leadership and teams
• Utilize Factory Scheduler (or other SpaceX tools and ERP applications) to schedule, prioritize work accurately, allocate resources with production efficiently, and support fixture/tooling/test equipment planning
• Support internal logistics accuracy for critical work movement and push/pull jobs to improve lead times, reduce stagnation, and meet schedule commitments
• Collaborate with operations, production engineering, and the master schedule to align bottlenecks, execute plans, and introduce new processes/technologies/materials in a fast-paced environment
• Assist in root-cause analysis for manufacturing issues, provide feedback to improve planning, and support development of streamlined processes between production and planning (e.g., pull systems, visual management)
• Organize and communicate daily priorities to production coordinators, team leads, and supervisors; contribute to daily/weekly visibility on schedule performance using Excel and basic SQL metrics
• Support weekly production plan reviews with operations, engineering, and the leadership to address roadblocks

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 1+ years of manufacturing scheduling, planning or operations; OR 3+ years of professional experience with manufacturing scheduling, planning or operations in lieu of a degree
• Experience using enterprise resource planning (ERP) or material requirements planning (MRP) systems in a production environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Technical knowledge and skills in coding and computer applications (e.g. MS Office Suite, VBA, Smartsheet, SQL, Confluence, JIRA, Power BI, etc.)
• Understanding of lean principles, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement concepts
• Familiarity with root-cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Must be able to travel - up to 25% work week travel may be required
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones