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.
SR. TOOLING ENGINEER, PLASTIC 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 the development, qualification and implementation of all tooling and manufacturing process technologies required to deliver the right scalable solution at the right cost on time. The correct individual will bring an open mindset, challenge the status quo with regards to traditional vs. emerging technologies and utilize a logical and disciplined approach to evaluate and select the correct set of solutions. The candidate will drive alignment between design, material and process selection and will own seamless integration of these processes into the overall process flow.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in consumer electronics product and tooling development with Domestic as well as Asian suppliers, tooling material selection, resin selection and qualification, two and three shot molding, high volume manufacturing, secondary processes, DOE experience and the ability to run multiple programs in parallel with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the development of new plastic injection tooling projects to meet a wide range of product performance and cosmetic requirements
Lead and refine the design for manufacturing process by collaborating with supply management, product design, industrial design, and manufacturing engineering groups on material selection, design feasibility and aesthetics of new plastic part & tooling designs.
Research and identify new materials, manufacturing technologies and finish options
Inform estimations of prototype and production manufacturing costs - tooling, secondary assembly, secondary finishing and piece part
Participate in supplier audits and final supplier selection
Write prototype/development tooling RFQs
Publish and maintain live master tooling schedule
Review DFM from supplier, including gating strategy, MoldFlow and Mold Warp analysis
Review and approve prototype/development tool designs
Review and approve tooling maintenance procedures
Track suppliers weekly build progress while participating in T1 sample trials.
Direct tooling modifications/edits, while ultimately responsible for approving TF parts, FAI reports and PPAP reports
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor€™s degree in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or the engineering field
8+ years of experience working with hands-on injection mold design and/or injection mold construction
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master€™s degree or PhD in materials engineering or mechanical engineering
10+ years of experience in direct hands-on injection mold design and/or injection mold construction
Detailed understanding of plastics molding related process variables and their impact on throughput, quality, and yield rate
Knowledge of equipment design, mold design, controls, and set up and validation of robotic cells
Strong to expert level 3D CAD skills, including advanced surfacing and large assemblies.
Siemens NX fluency. If no Siemens NX experience, must be able to learn and adopt it quickly as it will be the design package used (NX 1953).
Knowledge and experience in scientific molding/RJG molding
Strong experience in setting up and performing detailed mold simulations (Autodesk Mold Flow)
Knowledge and experience with Liquid Silicone Rubber molding (LSR)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods of time (in excess of 50% of the time) including international
Ability to lift up to 25 Ibs unassisted
This position may require the individual work on the shop floor. Standing/walking for long periods of time will be required.
Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
