Manager, Power Generation

About the role

The Manager of Power Generation will lead the engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance of on-site power generation systems at the Bastrop manufacturing site. The position ensures uninterrupted, reliable power delivery to support 24/7 mission-critical manufacturing operations in a highly dynamic environment. This position is based in 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-fired 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, 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.