Sr. Manager, Launch Fabrication (Starship)

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Manager for Starship Launch Fabrication at Starbase. The role leads a multi-shift fabrication organization responsible for safety, quality, schedule, cost, capacity, and delivery of launch and test hardware. Scope includes pipe and structural welding, material preparation, machine-shop work, corrosion control, production planning, work-order management, staffing, facility expansion, and leadership development. The manager partners with engineering, programs, materials, logistics, quality, and pad and test operations to resolve constraints and meet launch milestones. The position requires substantial fabrication or manufacturing leadership, familiarity with welding and shop-floor production control, workforce scaling experience, technical-document interpretation, and the ability to run complex multi-site operations. The source identifies a full-time Starbase role. The day-to-day focus includes Own overall performance of the Starbase Launch Fabrication organization: safety, quality, schedule, cost, and capacity, so hardware commits for Starship launch and test milestones Lead multi-shift fabrication operations across pipe welding, structural welding, material prep, machine shop, corrosion control, and related work centers; set priorities across ST-15, Sanchez, Build and lead a leadership bench of managers, supervisors, superintendents, and leads; hire, promote, and develop talent (internal mobility and external) with performance management Scale production control (planning, scheduling, WIP/work-order management, customer interface) so the department moves from reactive support toward capacity- and demand-driven shop allocation These

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field (6+ years of professional experience in fabrication, welding, machining, or systems integration in lieu of a degree)
• 7+ years of experience in heavy fabrication, welding, machining, or ground/test infrastructure hardware builds
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing supervisors and/or multi-team fabrication or manufacturing organizations with direct reports
• 5+ years of management experience leading multi-shift fabrication or manufacturing organizations (managers/supervisors under you)
• Experience scaling full-time employee and contractor workforces for high-rate aerospace, defense, energy, shipbuilding, or heavy industrial fabrication
• Deep familiarity with pipe and structural welding processes, material prep, machine shop operations, and shop-floor production control
• Knowledge of fluid, structural, and mechanical systems fabrication for launch/test infrastructure (cryogenics, high pressure, carbon/stainless, large structural assemblies)
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and engineering documentation; experience estimating labor hours and shop capacity for complex builds
• Experience with ERP/MRP and shop systems (e.g., work orders / labor tracking) and building planning/scheduling tools that improve demand visibility and WIP control
• Demonstrated success hiring, promoting, and developing first-line and mid-level leaders; strong internal mobility and performance management instincts
• Proven ability to stand up multi-site shops, expand facilities, and run concurrent programs under space and schedule constraints
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with engineering, program, and executive stakeholders; calm and effective under ambiguity and launch tempo