Project Manager, Tooling (Starship)
Job description
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.
PROJECT MANAGER, TOOLING (STARSHIP)
You own contractor execution, schedule, and contracted-labor cost to install, activate, and commission Gigabay / Starfactory tooling and infrastructure. Engineering owns design and hardware procurement. This IC role is based at Starbase, Texas.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own field execution, contracted-labor cost, and schedule for tooling and infrastructure projects (steel structures, lifting/access equipment, production stations, and related mechanical systems)
- Issue and manage POs for contract labor; manage shipments, on-site assembly, erection, install, activation, and commissioning
- Own a rolling 2-week look-ahead and provide daily updates on accomplishments, progress, and blockers
- Own and coordinate inputs to the overall Gigabay schedule; align installs with facility-level critical path
- Write and manage construction contracts; track and approve invoicing for contracted labor
- Supervise technicians and contractors in the field (no direct reports)
- Lead mechanical and structural execution; coordinate contractors and internal teams for power, fluids, and electrical as required to deliver a complete, activated system
- After engineering completes first-article station builds, own subsequent station installs through activation, including internal and external labor
- Work daily with responsible engineers on constructibility, status, and technical escalations; coordinate other construction teams at interfaces
- Use CAD (NX preferred) to sequence installs, check clearances, and verify field conditions against the model
- Issue work packages / manufacturing plans for internal welding and toolmaking so internal and contractor work stay sequenced
- Perform daily quality inspection of contractor work; stop work and escalate when field conditions do not match design or site safety requirements
- Plan installs around live Gigabay operations so production and construction do not block each other
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 2+ years managing external contractors on industrial or construction installs, including issuing POs or contracts and driving work through install, activation, and closeout
- Ability to navigate CAD models (e.g. NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field
- Experience with heavy lifts, rigging, access systems, crane/jib installs, or similar industrial equipment
- Experience coordinating power, fluids, and electrical tie-ins to complete a mechanical/structural install
- Experience owning repeatable production-station or tooling installs after a first-article process
- Ability to navigate large NX assemblies and drawings
- Experience directing technicians and contractors without formal direct reports
- Strong daily communication with engineering, technicians, contractors, and leadership
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Occasional travel to other SpaceX sites with similar projects
- Work schedule may vary based on site operational needs. Must be willing to support planned shift changes, extended hours, and weekends when required to meet critical path
- Physical effort including standing, lifting, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying as generally required to perform the functions of this position
- Work performed in an active industrial / construction environment
- Valid driver’s license
- Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
- Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 3 hours per day
- Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
- Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees up to 3 hours per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].