SpaceX is hiring a Manager, NDE Operations (Falcon)

SpaceX is hiring a Manager, NDE Operations (Falcon) to lead the team performing complex nondestructive evaluations on all Falcon and Dragon hardware produced in Hawthorne. In this critical role, you will ensure timely inspections, process improvements, and team development within a dynamic, high-pressure production environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead the team of NDE supervisors, specialists, and technicians providing daily support for all NDE inspections across multiple resource centers in production, test, and launch sites.
• Identify process improvements and ensure operations are lean, efficient, and effective.
• Develop appropriate metrics and goals for each resource center and work with supervisors and the team to achieve improved results.
• Assess employee performance, providing positive and constructive feedback.
• Ensure adequate training plans are available for all employees to enable career growth and to meet SpaceX needs.
• Work with partners including NDE Engineering, Production, Build Reliability, and Design Engineering to support achievement of company goals.
• Manage capital expenditures and operational expenditures for the NDE Operations team.
• Maintain a positive, safe, and healthy work environment and continually promote SpaceX culture and values.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in nondestructive evaluation, manufacturing, or an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of production, NDE, or manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership position with direct reports.

Nice to Have

• Nondestructive Evaluation Level II certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT).
• High degree of comfort in a factory setting, working to identify and execute efficiency improvements in all aspects of production and manufacturing.
• Significant exposure to a wide variety of fabrication, integration, and testing methodologies.
• A proven track record of leadership and team building within a rapidly changing environment.
• Experience in a high volume/high complexity production background such as automotive, commercial aviation, or consumer electronics.
• Consistent record of exceptional personal achievements and contributions that have supported career progression to-date.
• Demonstrated examples of serving as leadership focal point and decision-maker at an executive level.
• Experience in both sub-assembly production and final vehicle assembly/test experience.
• Knowledge of UTEX InspectionWare Software and NASA 5009 standards, AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM standards.
• Experience with Practical Problem Solving (PPS), Eight Disciplines (8D), Lean, 5S, or Kaizen principles.

Technical Stack

• UTEX InspectionWare Software

Team & Environment

You will lead a team of inspectors, specialists, and supervisors, directly managing NDE supervisors, specialists, and technicians.

Benefits & Compensation

• Compensation: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/year + equity. Eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or stock options.
• Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• Accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Accrue paid sick leave.
• Eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.
• Potential discretionary bonuses.
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Work Mode

This role is onsite in Hawthorne, CA.

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.