Sr. Manager, Launch Fabrication (Starship)

SR. MANAGER, LAUNCH FABRICATION (STARBASE)

This role leads the Starbase Launch Fabrication organization supporting Starship Launch and Test operations. The department builds and delivers critical launch hardware and ground support equipment across pipe and structural welding, material prep, machine shop, and related fabrication work centers: spanning ST-15, Sanchez, and expanding offsite capacity. The Sr. Manager owns multi-shift execution for a large full-time employee and contractor workforce, drives safety, quality, schedule, and cost, scales leadership density and production control systems, and partners closely with engineering, program, supply chain, quality, and pad/test customers to hit launch-rate milestones. With the department poised for growth and expansion, this position provides an excellent opportunity for career advancement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own overall performance of the Starbase Launch Fabrication organization: safety, quality, schedule, cost, and capacity, so hardware commits for Starship launch and test milestones are met
• Lead multi-shift fabrication operations across pipe welding, structural welding, material prep, machine shop, corrosion control, and related work centers; set priorities across ST-15, Sanchez, and satellite shops as demand and space require
• Build and lead a leadership bench of managers, supervisors, superintendents, and leads; hire, promote, and develop talent (internal mobility and external) with performance management that empowers decisions at the lowest capable level
• Scale production control (planning, scheduling, WIP/work-order management, customer interface) so the department moves from reactive support toward capacity- and demand-driven shop allocation
• Drive headcount strategy for the organization, including full-time employee vs. contractor mix, night-shift leadership coverage, and ramp plans aligned to shop, supervisor, and facility constraints
• Own high-level resource and facility plans for rate- including shop layout, tool/equipment capability, multi-site builds, and capital or lease actions needed for throughput
• Partner daily with engineering, program, pad/test ops, quality, materials, and logistics to lock demand signals, resolve blockers, and communicate progress, risks, and recovery plans
• Develop and maintain a strong safety culture: training and competence on tools/equipment, EHS partnership, cleanliness/workmanship standards, and active management of operational risk across shops and field interfaces
• Own quality outcomes for fabrication deliverables; drive reductions in escapes/workmanship issues; support inspection strategy for remote build areas and volumetric NDE as required
• Estimate and commit major builds (hours, space, staffing, timeline); refine estimates with technical leads and hold the organization accountable to locked plans
• Apply continuous improvement and data (clocking, capacity, schedule adherence, labor efficiency) to reduce build time, remove technical blockers, and raise individual and team capability
• Escalate high-impact operational and project risks early; personally remove blockers when needed and put sustaining actions in place so they do not recur
• Represent fabrication on site leadership forums; prioritize SpaceX outcomes over local optima; coach subordinate leaders on process, product, and people leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field (6+ years of professional experience in fabrication, welding, machining, or systems integration in lieu of a degree)
• 7+ years of experience in heavy fabrication, welding, machining, or ground/test infrastructure hardware builds
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing supervisors and/or multi-team fabrication or manufacturing organizations with direct reports

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of management experience leading multi-shift fabrication or manufacturing organizations (managers/supervisors under you)
• Experience scaling full-time employee and contractor workforces for high-rate aerospace, defense, energy, shipbuilding, or heavy industrial fabrication
• Deep familiarity with pipe and structural welding processes, material prep, machine shop operations, and shop-floor production control
• Knowledge of fluid, structural, and mechanical systems fabrication for launch/test infrastructure (cryogenics, high pressure, carbon/stainless, large structural assemblies)
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and engineering documentation; experience estimating labor hours and shop capacity for complex builds
• Experience with ERP/MRP and shop systems (e.g., work orders / labor tracking) and building planning/scheduling tools that improve demand visibility and WIP control
• Demonstrated success hiring, promoting, and developing first-line and mid-level leaders; strong internal mobility and performance management instincts
• Proven ability to stand up multi-site shops, expand facilities, and run concurrent programs under space and schedule constraints
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with engineering, program, and executive stakeholders; calm and effective under ambiguity and launch tempo
• Lean / continuous improvement track record: standard work, layout optimization, root cause, and metric-driven accountability
• Knowledge of relevant codes/standards (ASME, AISC, ASTM, etc.) and hazardous systems practices
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with operational dashboards preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours, nights, and weekends across shifts based on site operational and launch needs
• Must be able to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed—heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
• Ability to work in environments with fumes, odors, and noise; tight quarters and physical dexterity may be required
• Able to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights with proper PPE; lift up to 25 lbs.