Manager, NDE Operations (Starship)

$125,000 - $160,000/Yr

SpaceX - Brownsville, TX

Full-time - Manager

Brownsville, TX

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Manager of Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Operations at SpaceX is responsible for leading a team of inspectors, specialists, and supervisors who conduct complex inspections on Starship hardware produced at Starbase. This role is critical in ensuring the quality of hardware and the efficiency of inspection processes, enabling timely production without delays unless flaws are detected. The manager must adapt to a dynamic environment, support team development, and collaborate with various engineering and production teams to achieve company goals.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.
• Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.