Thermal Hardware Specialist, Leaching & Reclamation (Starship)

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THERMAL HARDWARE SPECIALIST, LEACHNG & RECLAMATION (STARSHIP)

The Thermal Hardware Specialist is responsible for the continuous monitoring and operation of the silica fiber glass purification and nitric acid recovery processes. This role will oversee a 24/7 acid leaching purification process as well as an evaporative distillation process to recover waste water and help ensure reliability, efficiency, and safely. They will focus on analyzing system performance, training staff, and driving improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability and be the bridge between supervisors and day-to-day production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead training sessions, develop systems and process to ensure technicians have qualifications to monitor and control a 24-hour continuous manufacturing process  
• Oversee processes understanding trends and failures of the process, analyzing, and proposing changes or emphasizing process rigors with technicians and supervision to ensure high quality output in a weekly manner 
• Ensure method and instruments are being correctly operating and technicians have proper tools and instruction to follow daily checks to ensure system health
• Review regular inspections and tests to ensure the quality and reliability of our leaching and reclamation process, consolidating information so that it can be used to make decisions and process changes 
• Review and propose work instruction and test plans to ensure production stability 
• Implement small-scale system improvements, such as process tweaks, hardware and minor equipment modifications, or workflow optimizations, to boost efficiency and quality outcomes always in partnership with leadership and Engineering by off
• Ensure that hardware and process are being optimized and documented to ensure process stability based on lessons learned 
• Review, maintain and propose changes to all maintenance plans
• Ensure training for all technicians through documentation and validation of qualifications necessary to perform routine maintenance, ensure operational efficiency and longevity
• Own the spare parts plan and partner with engineering to propose changes as needed
• Perform daily walk downs, identifying process, training, and flow gaps, and propose solutions and actions to increase reliability 
• Partner with engineering on safety and ensure proper training and that daily operations adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, promptly reporting any hazards or incidents
• Maintain accurate records of work orders and assets, being the champion to ensure process changes are well followed and deployed with technicians 
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement 
• Partner with process and design engineers to ensure correct process and hardware actions to sustain production of quality material 
• Take operational ownership of the equipment and processes for fiber purification and waste reclamation systems 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience with monitoring and operating leaching, reclamation or other chemical manufacturing systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Familiarity working with acids (particularly nitric acid)
• Working knowledge of 24V instrumentation, 480V rotating equipment, pneumatic valves, etc.
• Familiarity working with steam and steam evaporators  
• Technical certification in industrial operations or manufacturing
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Demonstrated application of process controls in high volume manufacturing, test, and quality environment
• Knowledge of quality tools, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
• Proficiency in using monitoring and control systems
• Ability to interpret technical data and make informed adjustments
• Computer skill sets such as SQL, Microsoft Office, or other electronic systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments and stand for extended periods
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
• Physical effort with some handling of lightweight supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Must be willing to travel for business and operational needs, travel requirement is up to 15%

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.  

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.