Manager, NDE Operations (Starship Mechanisms)

About the role

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Manager of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Operations leads the team performing complex inspection operations on SpaceX hardware. In this role, you'll oversee and advance Starship’s mechanisms, components, and welding build centers, focusing on producing large stainless-steel structures and sub-assemblies for orbital and interplanetary variants of the rocket’s stages. The leader will ensure inspectors are available when needed and that inspections are performed efficiently without holding up hardware flow unless flaws are found. This position requires adapting to rapidly changing requirements, schedule pressures, and shifts in company focus while fostering career growth and providing valuable feedback to team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team of NDE supervisors, specialists, and inspectors on the floor and provide daily support for all NDE inspections in multiple NDE resource centers across production teams.
• 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 meet SpaceX needs.
• Work with cross-functional partners such as NDE Engineering, Production, Build Reliability, and Design Engineering to support achievement of company goals.
• Develop team-wide metrics to align team goals and priorities with cross-functional leaders. Hold team members accountable for execution and continuous improvement in their area of ownership.
• Manage capital and operational expenditures for the NDE Operations team.
• Maintain a positive, safe, and healthy work environment and continually promote SpaceX culture and values.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of professional experience in an NDE or quality-focused organization.
• 3+ years leading inspectors in an operations/manufacturing environment.
• Must be willing to travel to remote sites as needed (10-20%).
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• 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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience conducting or leading inspections in production for flight and development hardware.
• 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).
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, materials science, or technical management.
• Leadership experience managing a large team operating in multiple locations.
• Experience in the NDE industry managing inspectors/supervisors.
• A proven track record of leadership and team building within a rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent communication to all levels of the organization, team-building skills, and the ability to influence.
• Experience interfacing with multiple stakeholder organizations (Engineering, Production, Fabrication) to effectively execute tasks to meet aggressive deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of NASA 5009, NAS 410, and SNT TC-1A standards.
• American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

Pay

Compensation range: $140,000 - $180,000 per year. Your actual level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Base salary is part of a total rewards package that may include long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards), discretionary bonuses, stock purchase discounts, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation (3 weeks accrued), and 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees also accrue paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with stock purchase discounts.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation accrued annually.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.