Manufacturing Specialist, Components Test

SpaceX · Redmond, WA

Level: Specialist
Team: Manufacturing
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 2+ years
Industry: Aerospace & defense
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A specialist manufacturing role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Redmond, WA. Assess non-conforming hardware, lead root cause investigations, and drive corrective and preventative actions to improve reliability and reduce defects.

They ask for: 2+ years · degree required
Tools it names: Six Sigma, Root cause, SPC, GD&T, DOE, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
Day to day: some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Manufacturing Engineer roles in Washington: typical posted base $103k–$145k.

Median of the low and high ends of 23 live postings that list pay, out of 39 manufacturing engineer openings in Washington, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Washington plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 38 other live manufacturing postings in Washington.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: Less than usual (2+ vs 3+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Tooling 62%
✓ Root cause 49%
Automation 38%
Lean 31%
✓ New product launch 31%
✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Plant layout, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 2+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverageLifts up to 25 lbs

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at SpaceX
We found 1 person at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Robin → (free)
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: SpaceX in Redmond

51 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in manufacturing roles at SpaceX.

Lead Operations Engineer · Production · Manager
Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink Optical Products) · Controls
Microelectronics Process Engineer (Optical Products) · Process
Process Specialist, Vendor Management (Starlink) · Process · Specialist
Manufacturing Engineer, Components Test · Manufacturing
Sr. Business Operations Manager (Starlink Growth) · Production · Manager

All 52 roles at SpaceX →

Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

◆Assess non-conforming hardware, lead root cause investigations, and drive corrective and preventative actions to improve reliability and reduce defects.
◆Identify and implement changes to design, process, safety, and factory layout to optimize yield, performance, cost, and manufacturability.
◆Develop and implement standard work instructions, troubleshooting guides, repair procedures, and process documentation.
◆Create and deliver training to production technicians on new and updated processes, tools, and procedures.
◆Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to conceptualize, design, validate, and document integrated test systems, fixtures, racks, and associated hardware.
◆Design and implement manufacturing tools, shop aids, and test assets while establishing equipment maintenance and calibration schedules.
◆Manage new product introduction of PCBA assemblies, including equipment qualification, line layout, tooling, process validation on aggressive timelines, and DFM feedback.
◆Track key metrics such as schedule, WIP, and defect rates by analyzing production and on-orbit data.

Qualifications

✓High school diploma or equivalency certificate
✓2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment OR a bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline

Preferred skills and experience

✓Excellent communication, teamwork, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills
✓Strong adaptability, attention to detail, concentration, and efficiency in fast-paced, dynamic environments
✓Ability to work autonomously or in teams with an end-user focus and quick learning mindset
✓Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
✓Associate or Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
✓Ability to read, understand, and follow detailed schematics, drawings, instructions, and mechanical/fluid system concepts
✓Experience with programming languages (Python, C/C++, SQL, TwinCAT, or similar)
✓Experience with test equipment, measurement devices (pressure/temperature/flow), and integration/testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical, or structural systems
✓Experience with CAD/PLM software (NX, CATIA, ProE, Teamcenter) and hands-on SMT/PCBA or manufacturing processes
✓Knowledge of statistical methods (DoE, SPC, Six Sigma), IPC standards, and data-driven process improvements
✓Thorough understanding of electrical schematics, circuit analysis, PCBA design/troubleshooting, and RF testing/characterization
✓Experience with environmental testing (HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, TVAC) and basic failure analysis tools/methods
✓High-volume production experience including process development, facility layouts, production tooling, and custom machine design (electromechanical systems, motors, actuators)
✓Strong understanding of drafting standards, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), structural analysis, mechanism design, and mechatronic system integration
✓Experience with PLC hardware/software and design/deployment of functional safety systems

Requirements

✓Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
✓Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
✓Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted

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 .

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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.