Material Flow Engineer

Position Overview

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.

MATERIAL FLOW ENGINEER (STARBASE): SpaceX is currently seeking an experienced Material Flow Engineer to analyze, design and optimize the receiving, storage, movement, and presentation of materials at Starbase for all flight and non-flight programs to enable overall Starship objectives. Material Flow Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing material flow strategies that align with Starship production goals and drive operational excellence. This role involves using lean material flow principles, data analytics, problem solving, modeling, and project management skills to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of all materials.

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Refugees, or Asylees, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Design and Optimization: Design and implement innovative strategies for efficient material flow from receipt to the lineside and any reverse logistics required. Understand critical part flow categories to develop specific plans that will allow Starbase to achieve significant scale. Use value stream mapping to ensure end-to-end process optimization.
• Factory and Warehouse Layout Planning: Develop conceptual and detailed layouts for material flow and storage to achieve targeted inventory levels. Ensure that storage strategies are aligned across the supply chain and achieve maximum desired part density considering all available facility volume. Build and use space capacity models to ensure adequate storage solutions.
• Develop Materials Management Resource Plans: Using lean material flow principles and industry best practices, develop labor and equipment models to match the material flow strategies. Conduct time studies as needed to determine resource efficiency and implement procedures to track improvements. Ensure that all material handling equipment is optimized for the supported processes.
• Part Packaging and Rack Flow: Develop cost effective and sustainable packaging solutions for use between vendors and SpaceX and within Starbase facilities. Ensure that the packaging optimizes for total landed cost by considering logistics density and handling efficiency, while maintaining required quality standards. Collaborate with external packaging and tooling vendors as well as internal teams to develop right-sized packaging fleets in time to support program targets.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, SQL) to assess material flow performance metrics, identify issues, and develop data-driven solutions. Support the Materials Management operations teams as needed in decision making.
• Safety and Training: Conduct risk assessments and implement measures to ensure all Materials Management processes adhere to federal, state, local, and SpaceX safety standards. Perform periodic audits to verify safe conditions and proper equipment usage, and develop training for new processes and equipment.
• Project Collaboration: Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain teams across SpaceX on critical projects to ensure stakeholder alignment and progress toward common targets.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent experience
• 2+ years in an engineering role in a manufacturing environment, preferably working directly on material flow engineering solutions
• Schedule: Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones
• Location: Starbase, TX (onsite; remote work not considered)

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership driving projects in an industrial environment
• Extensive analytical skills for performing detailed data analysis
• Experience with layout design in AutoCAD or similar tools, building both warehouse and manufacturing lineside layouts
• Experience with material handling equipment and packaging design and implementation
• Knowledge of supply chain planning design and warehousing requirements
• Experience solving challenging quantitative problems in fast-paced environments