Sr. Equipment Engineer, Insource Manufacturing

Sr. Equipment Engineer, Injection Molding

SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.

Working directly in the materials engineering group, this position is responsible for providing engineering support on planned and unplanned repairs, modifications, and upgrades of production equipment in the Injection Molding Starlink program. The equipment engineers are the primary technical resource for technicians and support for day-to-day resolution of the most challenging technical issues facing the team.

They take end-to-end ownership of equipment improvement projects from concept through design and implementation and play a key part in maximizing critical production equipment availability, enabling Starlink to rapidly pursue its mission.

The correct individual will bring an open mindset, challenge the status quo with regard to traditional vs. emerging technologies, and utilize a logical and disciplined approach to evaluate and select the correct set of solutions.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate extreme ownership of projects through their entire lifecycle, from initial concept generation through fabrication and production bring-up, specifically focused on plastic injection molding and manufacturing processes.
• Lead technicians to troubleshoot and resolve technically complex Injection molding machines and peripheral equipment failures.
• Perform root cause analysis and action corrective measures to address equipment, process, and behavioral gaps.
• Develop and execute complex improvement projects to maximize production equipment availability, cycle time optimization and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Complete hands-on and in-depth troubleshooting and repairs of equipment: mechanical, electrical, automation, fluid, pneumatic, and control system failures.
• Coordinate internal and third-party resources to scope and execute repairs, overhauls, and equipment upgrade projects.
• Leverage feedback from technicians to drive improvements to work instructions and processes.
• Coordinate with internal equipment reliability engineering, tool engineering, and automation engineering teams to design and implement machine upgrades.
• Balance simultaneous projects of varying scope and complexity in a fast-paced environment.
• Create, modify, and update Injection Molding Machines preventative maintenance instructions to eliminate recurring failures or low-value tasks.
• Interface with engineering, quality, production, and procurement to resolve any hold factors blocking production.
• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed of execution and efficiency.
• Publish and maintain detailed schedules for each development project segment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials engineering, or an engineering degree.
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical design of complex components and assemblies.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of experience with plastic processing.
• 5+ years of experience with injection molding peripherals.
• Experience working in a high volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with injection molding processing of Polycarbonate, Nylon, and Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE).
• Experience with injection molding cooling systems.
• Experience with injection molding custom machine design including electromechanical systems, end-of-arm tooling, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, lifting/rigging, etc.
• Experience with material requirements planning, enterprise resource planning, and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Experience designing mechanical systems using 3D CAD software and 2D drawings.
• Experience designing and implement an End of Arm Tool.
• Experience applying common manufacturing and machining processes where it applies to design such as welding, machining, assembly, inspection, etc.
• Experience sizing basic mechanical components and structures.
• Solid understanding of drafting standards and demonstrated experience in applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and hands-on machining experience including mills, lathes, manual, and computer numerical control (CNC).

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces.

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.