Sr. Manager, Launch Fabrication (Starship)

SpaceX•Starbase, TX, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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