SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Project Manager, Tooling (Starship)

Starbase, TXFull TimePosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Starship
Tooling
Gigabay
Starfactory
Contractor execution
Schedule
Cost
Install
Activate
Commission

Nice to have

Construction management
Architecture
Heavy lifts
Rigging
Access systems
Crane/jib installs

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Project Manager for Tooling (Starship) at Starbase, Texas. This individual contributor role focuses on managing the execution, schedule, and cost of installing, activating, and commissioning Gigabay/Starfactory tooling and infrastructure. Responsibilities include managing contractor labor, issuing purchase orders and construction contracts, coordinating with engineering and other construction teams, performing quality inspections, and sequencing work around live operations. A high school diploma and 2+ years of experience managing external contractors on industrial or construction projects are required, along with CAD navigation skills. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and experience with heavy lifts, rigging, and repeatable production station installs.

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

PROJECT MANAGER, TOOLING (STARSHIP)

You own contractor execution, schedule, and contracted-labor cost to install, activate, and commission Gigabay / Starfactory tooling and infrastructure. Engineering owns design and hardware procurement. This IC role is based at Starbase, Texas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own field execution, contracted-labor cost, and schedule for tooling and infrastructure projects (steel structures, lifting/access equipment, production stations, and related mechanical systems)

Issue and manage POs for contract labor; manage shipments, on-site assembly, erection, install, activation, and commissioning

Own a rolling 2-week look-ahead and provide daily updates on accomplishments, progress, and blockers

Own and coordinate inputs to the overall Gigabay schedule; align installs with facility-level critical path

Write and manage construction contracts; track and approve invoicing for contracted labor

Supervise technicians and contractors in the field (no direct reports)

Lead mechanical and structural execution; coordinate contractors and internal teams for power, fluids, and electrical as required to deliver a complete, activated system

After engineering completes first-article station builds, own subsequent station installs through activation, including internal and external labor

Work daily with responsible engineers on constructibility, status, and technical escalations; coordinate other construction teams at interfaces

Use CAD (NX preferred) to sequence installs, check clearances, and verify field conditions against the model

Issue work packages / manufacturing plans for internal welding and toolmaking so internal and contractor work stay sequenced

Perform daily quality inspection of contractor work; stop work and escalate when field conditions do not match design or site safety requirements

Plan installs around live Gigabay operations so production and construction do not block each other

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

2+ years managing external contractors on industrial or construction installs, including issuing POs or contracts and driving work through install, activation, and closeout

Ability to navigate CAD models (e.g. NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field

Experience with heavy lifts, rigging, access systems, crane/jib installs, or similar industrial equipment

Experience coordinating power, fluids, and electrical tie-ins to complete a mechanical/structural install

Experience owning repeatable production-station or tooling installs after a first-article process

Ability to navigate large NX assemblies and drawings

Experience directing technicians and contractors without formal direct reports

Strong daily communication with engineering, technicians, contractors, and leadership

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional travel to other SpaceX sites with similar projects

Work schedule may vary based on site operational needs. Must be willing to support planned shift changes, extended hours, and weekends when required to meet critical path

Physical effort including standing, lifting, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying as generally required to perform the functions of this position

Work performed in an active industrial / construction environment

Valid driver’s license

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 3 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day

Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day

Walk: Up to 3 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 3 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees up to 3 hours per day

Candidate must be capable of safely using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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.

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