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.

• →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

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

• 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

• 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%

• 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.