Manufacturing Engineer, Tool & Die Machining

Bastrop, TX · 3+ years experience · Posted Sep 22, 2026

At a glance

Working directly in the materials engineering group, this position is responsible for managing a technical project for the development and qualification of all equipment, tooling and manufacturing process technologies necessary to produce plastic injection molds and high pressure die cast tools.
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.

Develop machining capability in-house for the tool & die team and deliver high-quality precision piece parts required to build internal tooling
Analyze piece parts and assemblies for DFM to ensure that the parts are optimized for manufacturing and assembly
Create collaborative business plans with design engineering, upstream production, and support teams and develop and maintain positive supplier/customer relationships
Work between manufacturing and design engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to ensure processes are robust and any production problems are quickly solved
Implement machining process controls that allow parts to run ‘lights out’ and leverage latest technologies and programming strategies to reduce in-cycle intervention
Identify, recommend, procure, and install machine shop equipment as well as ensure all equipment is thoroughly maintained and calibrated
Responsible for cost optimization and cost reduction initiatives associated with fabrication and processes
Continually develop and manage engineering capacity, schedules, and project plans in order to support production manifest as well as a diverse and variable R&D demand
Research and identify new materials, manufacturing technologies and finishing options
Inform estimations of prototype and production manufacturing costs - tooling, secondary assembly, secondary finishing and piece part

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials engineering, or other engineering discipline
3+ years of experience with CNC machining
Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods of time
Ability to lift up to 25Ibs unassisted
Standing/walking for long periods of time
Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns

Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline
Strong to expert level 3D CAD skills, including advanced surfacing and large assemblies
Experience with Siemens NX
Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing and scaling to high volume as part of a cross-functional team
Experience with manufacturing process like injection molding, CNC, die casting, stamping, assembly, and box build in a production setting and a good understanding of the costs and schedule and complexity associated with each process

Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods of time (~15% travel normally, more during urgent manufacturing and test campaigns)