Operations Engineer, Starbase Infrastructure

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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER, STARBASE INFRASTRUCTURE

Starbase infrastructure — site power, HVAC, facilities, production fluids, industrial gas, water, and wastewater — is run by technician shops. This Operations Engineer standardizes how those shops plan, execute, and close work so the site runs as one operating system. Match existing SpaceX / site standards where they work; write a unique process only when the circumstances require it, and say why. When something is broken or slow, pick the lever: a tool (including software and AI), a physical change, or a people standard. Warp work orders, PMs, punch lists, and labor hours should mean the same thing in every shop. You write WOs for the initiatives you own; supervisors and leads own the daily flow.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Standardize how work is requested, planned, executed, and closed across all infrastructure shops. One WO / PM / estimate / closeout standard, with documented exceptions where a system (MV electrical, TCEQ water, cryogenic gas, etc.) requires them

Adopt company and site standards (Warp, Foundation, LOTO, MOC, commissioning turnover) and pull in processes from other SpaceX plants where they fit

Choose the fix: software / AI / data, a physical or tooling change, or a personnel skill and behavior standard. Be explicit which lever you are using and why it is the right one for that problem

Define and improve the work-management system: Warp / Foundation work orders, PM and PdM backlog, kitting, as-found / as-left closeout, critical spares. Write WOs to support the initiatives you are driving; supervisors and engineering own daily WO writing and planning releases

Give shops visibility they can staff against: time estimates vs actuals, remaining hours, and which jobs are blocking a customer

Own commissioning and operational-readiness for new or modified systems: punch lists, first PMs, mBOM / spare setup, procedures, and trained turnover to operations

Translate design packages (one-lines, P&IDs, vendor submittals, construction RFPs) into isolation plans, LOTO, work instructions, and hold points the floor can execute

Stand up asset identity for equipment that is still informal: what it is, what feeds it, what PM it gets, where the WO lives

Put numbers on the shops: availability, PM compliance, WO aging, estimate accuracy, contractor vs in-house mix; brief supervisors and site leadership

Write the procedures the shops actually use and teach leads and technicians the standard — you succeed when the shop runs it without you in the room, including the cases that stay unique on purpose

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of professional experience in industrial plant, central plant, utilities, facilities, power generation, process operations, or maintenance engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

2+ years in a process plant, municipal or industrial utility, semiconductor or data-center facilities, shipyard, or similar 24/7 plant

Hands-on work management: Warp, Foundation, Maximo, SAP PM, or equivalent CMMS; you can write and close a work order to support an initiative

Experience reading P&IDs, electrical one-lines, and OEM manuals, and writing a procedure a technician can follow on night shift

Experience commissioning or standing up operational-readiness of new equipment (punch list through first PMs and spare setup)

Working knowledge of LOTO, MOC, confined space, and energized / pressurized systems

Familiarity with at least two of: medium-voltage or industrial electrical; HVAC / BMS; industrial gas or compressed air; water / wastewater; rotating equipment

TCEQ public water / wastewater or similar permitted-plant exposure

Practical use of SQL, Power BI, scripting, or AI to remove clerk work from WOs, PMs, and reports, with judgment for when the right answer is a technician skill

Experience overseeing contractors and vendors on a live industrial site

Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, engineers, and leadership

Internships, clubs, or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualify

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed

Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed — heat, cold, wind, rain

Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted, climb ladders, and walk the plants and shops you support

This position is based in Starbase, TX (Brownsville / Boca Chica) and requires being onsite – remote work not considered

Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX sites when needed (up to 15%)

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].