Manager, NDE Operations (Starship)

MANAGER, NDE OPERATIONS (STARSHIP)

The Manager of Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Operations leads the team of inspectors, specialists, and supervisors who perform complex inspections on all of Starship hardware produced at Starbase. This hardware includes everything from large metallic barrels, tanks, tooling structures, tubing, pipes, brackets, coupons, and more. Quality of the hardware and understanding how inspections performed ensure and enable hardware quality is critical. This group is also responsible for ensuring that inspectors are available when needed, and that inspections are performed in a timely and efficient manner. Inspection should not hold up the flow of hardware unless flaws are found and corrective actions are necessary.

SpaceX is a very dynamic environment and an organization that always challenges itself to do newer and more difficult things, with the ultimate goal of starting a colony on Mars. This leader must be able to adapt to rapidly changing requirements, schedule pressures, and shifts in company focus. The position requires a strong people manager who enables SpaceX to achieve its goals by investing in the people who work here, providing career growth opportunities, and valuable feedback to all team members.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the team of NDE supervisors, specialists, and technicians on the floor and provide daily support for all NDE inspections in multiple NDE resource centers across production, test, and launch sites
• Identify process improvements and ensure operations are lean, efficient, and effective. Develop appropriate metrics and goals for each resource center and work with supervisors and the team to achieve improved results
• Assess employee performance, providing positive and constructive feedback. Ensure adequate training plans are available for all employees to enable career growth and to meet SpaceX needs
• Work with partners: NDE Engineering, Production, Build Reliability, and Design Engineering to support achievement of company goals
• Manage capital expenditures and operational expenditures for the NDE Operations team
• Maintain a positive, safe, and healthy work environment and continually promote SpaceX culture and values

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in nondestructive evaluation, manufacturing, or an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of production, NDE, or manufacturing experience
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership position with direct reports 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Nondestructive Evaluation Level II certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)
• High degree of comfort in a factory setting, working to identify and execute efficiency improvements in all aspects of production and manufacturing
• Significant exposure to a wide variety of fabrication, integration, and testing methodologies
• A proven track record of leadership and team building within a rapidly changing environment
• Experience in a high volume/high complexity production background such as automotive, commercial aviation, or consumer electronics
• Consistent record of exceptional personal achievements and contributions that have supported career progression to-date
• Demonstrated examples of serving as leadership focal point and decision-maker at an executive level
• Experience in both sub-assembly production and final vehicle assembly/test experience
• Knowledge of UTEX InspectionWare Software and NASA 5009 standards, AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM standards
• Experience with Practical Problem Solving (PPS), Eight Disciplines (8D), Lean, 5S, or Kaizen principles

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Must be willing to travel to remote sites as needed (10-20%)
• Must be able to pass Air Force/Space Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
NDE Manager: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.