
Additive Manufacturing Specialist (Starlink Development)
SpaceX · Bastrop, TX
- Level
- Specialist
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 1+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A specialist manufacturing role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Bastrop, TX. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
- They ask for
- 1+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Automation, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $79k–$132k.
Median of the low and high ends of 33 live postings that list pay, out of 148 manufacturing engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 147 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (1+ vs 5+)
Typical $79k–$132k, from 33 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 57%
- Root cause 51%
- Lean 39%
- New product launch 39%
- ✓ Automation 34%
- Six Sigma 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
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- 1
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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?
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- 4
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- 5
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This plant: SpaceX in Bastrop
157 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in manufacturing roles at SpaceX.
- Facilities Specialist, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink) · Reliability · Specialist
- Lead Operations Engineer · Production · Manager
- Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Starlink) · Quality · Senior
- Lead Production Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink) · Production · Technician
- PECVD Process Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink) · Process
- Process Specialist, Vendor Management (Starlink) · Process · Specialist
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Independently own end-to-end additive manufacturing operations: set up, operate, monitor, and turn over multiple industrial 3D printers (FDM, SLA, SLS, and others) in accordance with manufacturer procedures, industry standards, and engineering specifications.
- ◆Lead all post-print processing, including powder removal, support removal, polishing, finishing, and dimensional inspection to ensure parts meet quality and engineering requirements.
- ◆Serve as the primary owner for equipment health: perform routine and preventive maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and act as the main point of contact for OEM/distributor service.
- ◆Continuously improve shop capabilities, capacity, quality, and throughput through process optimization, efficiency projects, and implementation of best practices.
- ◆Provide proactive DFM feedback and process recommendations to engineering teams; assist with design and build plan optimization for additive manufacturability.
- ◆Partner with engineering to create, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); ensure all SOPs remain accurate, relevant, and up to date.
- ◆Develop and deliver comprehensive training to all additive personnel; effectively communicate process changes and updates across the team.
- ◆Own the cleanliness, organization, and overall readiness of the 3D printing lab; provide direct input on lab layout, workflow, and process design to maximize efficiency and safety.
- ◆Maintain a fully stocked workspace and manage consumables inventory in partnership with supply teams.
- ◆Independently perform verifications, inspections, and documentation with precision and completeness.
- ◆Operate secondary post-processing equipment (drills, taps, grinders, sanders, etc.) as needed.
- ◆Flex to support other teams during peak demand and rapidly adapt to evolving processes and engineering requirements.
- ◆Align daily work with broader business goals and drive initiatives that advance Starlink development and factory infrastructure.
Qualifications
- ✓High school degree or equivalency certificate
- ✓1+ years of experience with hardware assembly, maintenance, and/or operating and maintaining complex machinery
Preferred skills and experience
- ✓3+ years of experience working on and troubleshooting industrial and commercial 3D printers and/or additive equipment
- ✓Collaborate with Network Security and IT teams to develop and deploy efficient, secure workflow and fleet monitoring systems, while designing an easy and intuitive user interface for engineering customers.
- ✓Ability to read, interpret and work from drawings, controlled documentation and processes such as: assembly procedures/work instructions, schematics, engineering drawings, and parts list
- ✓Strong computer literacy skills with an understanding of how to maximize current technologies to optimize workflow
- ✓Experience driving engagement with others, taking initiative, and helping push the team to new levels
- ✓Excellent communication skills
- ✓Experience working with or on complex machinery (examples: repairing electromechanical systems, vehicle mechanic, etc)
- ✓Proven track record of high-quality work, attention to detail, and high level of autonomy
Requirements
- ✓Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
- ✓Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- ✓Ability to obtain forklift certification
- ✓Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as required to support critical milestones
- ✓Must be willing to travel occasionally to support critical projects
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 .
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
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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.
Additive manufacturing specialist (starlink development)
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.
We are seeking a highly skilled, self-directed Additive Specialist to independently own the setup, operation, post-processing, continuous improvement, and growth of our multi-technology 3D printing lab. This role is critical to accelerating Starlink product development, factory tooling, and automation in a fast-paced environment.
You will take full ownership of printer operations across FDM, SLA, SLS, and emerging technologies. You will drive capacity, quality, efficiency, and process maturity while serving as the primary technical expert and point of contact for the additive shop. The ideal candidate thrives with autonomy, wears multiple hats, partners closely with engineering on Design for Manufacturability (DFM), develops team capabilities through training and documentation, and proactively expands the shop’s capabilities to meet ambitious development timelines.
