Supervisor, Power Generation Fluid Systems

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.

Responsibilities

• Supervise prefab/spool‑yard and field fluid‑system work, including daily schedules, workflow, and multi‑shift handoff.
• Lead and manage a staff of fluid systems technicians, including hiring input, training, and all performance‑management tasks.
• Organize, assign, and track work so spool fabrication, install, field tie‑in, test, and punch‑list move cleanly across shifts.
• Fabricate, install, and personally tie in (and hold the crew to the same standard) fluid system components from P&IDs, isometric drawings, and engineering sketches, including:
  • Stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum piping and tubing, including large‑bore.
  • Ball, check, control, and isolation valves.
  • Pumps, strainers, heat exchangers, and dry coolers.
  • Pressure regulators, relief devices, sensors, and gauges.
• Own plant fluid systems for aeroderivative / industrial gas‑turbine power generation, including natural gas fuel, instrument air, demineralized water, cooling water, and 19 % aqueous ammonia (SCR) systems.
• Read and interpret work instructions, P&IDs, data sheets, manuals, and drawings; recommend changes that simplify the build and raise rate without sacrificing quality.
• Perform and supervise hydrostatic, pneumatic, and leak testing; troubleshoot and repair issues found during activation or production use.
• Connect and verify instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow, and similar) as required for system checkout.
• Assess skillsets, identify training needs, and build training so the crew can work natural gas, 19 % aqueous ammonia, instrument air, demin, and cooling systems safely.
• Monitor labor hours and overtime; implement time‑management and improvement plans with the staff.
• Provide data and reporting to support departmental metrics and improvement objectives.
• Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications, codes, and engineering requirements.
• Maintain tooling, consumables, and critical‑spares inventory.
• Improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement (lockout/tagout, hot work, line break, chemical handling).
• Initiate and foster cooperation with millwrights, electrical, engineering, OEM advisors, construction, and data‑hall operations.
• Continuously improve processes and crew efficiency, utilization, and productivity.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5 + years of hands‑on experience fabricating, installing, testing, and/or commissioning industrial fluid systems (piping, tubing, valves, pumps, and instrumentation).
• 2 + years of experience leading a crew, shift, or project (supervisor, lead, or equivalent) in a production, construction, test, or plant environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 10 + years of fluid‑system fabrication and install in a fast‑paced power generation, industrial, or mission‑critical facilities environment.
• Experience tying in pipe (field fit‑up and connection of fabricated spools or systems — not supervision‑only).
• Direct experience on gas‑turbine or combined‑cycle balance‑of‑plant systems (fuel gas, demineralized water, condensate/feedwater, cooling water, lube oil, or similar).
• Hands‑on work with one or more of: natural gas piping, aqueous or anhydrous ammonia systems, demineralized water, high‑purity water, or data‑center cooling (chilled water, condenser water, dry coolers).
• Experience bringing a fluid system from development / first article into repeatable production or commissioned plant operation.
• Experience with pneumatic/hydraulic system fabrication and high‑pressure liquid and gas testing.
• Ability to read P&IDs, isometric drawings, and OEM manuals and turn them into field work.
• Familiarity with applicable piping codes and practices (e.g., ASME B31.1 / B31.3), lockout/tagout, and line‑break / energy‑isolation procedures.
• Professional experience with calibrated measuring instruments.
• Experience using heavy equipment (overhead cranes, forklifts, manlifts).
• Able to adapt to changing work assignments in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to hire, train, and retain a high‑performing technician crew.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends, which varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required.
• ITAR Requirements: applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.