Manager, Power Generation

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.

Location: Bastrop, Texas (Austin Area).

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel responsible for the reliable operation of sitewide power generation infrastructure.
• Own end-to-end performance of power generation systems, including:
  • Gas‑filled turbines (simple‑cycle and/or combined‑cycle; aeroderivative or industrial frame), generators, and balance‑of‑plant.
  • Natural‑gas fuel systems (supply, metering, conditioning, and safety systems).
  • Electrical interconnection (high‑voltage switchgear, transformers, protective relaying, grid interconnection, and islanding/black‑start capability).
  • Emissions control, auxiliary systems, and backup/emergency generation.
• Lead procurement and construction activities for power generation equipment and infrastructure, including specification development, vendor/OEM selection, contract management, construction oversight, and delivery to support aggressive site schedules.
• Drive strategic planning, capital project execution, and expansion of generation capacity to match aggressive manufacturing ramp‑up schedules, including new system design reviews, commissioning, and integration with site electrical distribution.
• Establish and continuously improve preventive, predictive, and condition‑based maintenance programs for turbines, generators, and balance‑of‑plant to achieve world‑class uptime and minimal unplanned downtime.
• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations, air permitting, emissions monitoring, and SpaceX internal standards.
• Manage operating budgets, fuel and generation cost forecasting, efficiency initiatives, and vendor/OEM/service contracts (including long‑term service agreements).
• Foster a culture of ownership, rapid iteration, and first‑principles problem solving within the power generation team while maintaining rigorous safety standards in high‑hazard industrial environments.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in power generation engineering, operations, or construction within large industrial or utility facilities.
• 4+ years of direct people leadership experience managing engineers, operators, and technicians in 24/7 operational environments.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with gas‑fired turbines and associated power generation systems.
• Deep knowledge of gas turbine operations, OEM control systems, performance, emissions, and reliability best practices, including predictive maintenance, vibration analysis, and condition monitoring.
• Experience with natural gas infrastructure, fuel quality, and turbine fuel systems.
• Familiarity with high‑reliability operations in mission‑critical environments where downtime directly impacts production (aerospace, semiconductor, data center, or similar preferred).
• Strong project management skills with experience delivering multi‑million‑dollar generation capital projects on time and budget.
• Proficiency in reading/creating P&IDs, single‑line electrical drawings, heat balances, and equipment specifications.
• Experience navigating air permitting, CEMS, and environmental compliance for combustion sources.
• Ability to thrive in a high‑intensity, iterative environment with evolving priorities and aggressive timelines.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work at elevated heights, outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Ability to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed based on site operational needs.
• Ability to provide on‑call support in emergency situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Occasional travel may be required based on specific project tasks.
• Valid driver’s license.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.