Quality Specialist, Precision Machining (Starlink) - Level 4/5
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting states $96.7k–$133k a year. Open quality engineer jobs in Washington post a median of $155k a year, the middle half $139k–$162k, across 33 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post.
Quality engineers and inspectors in Washington: pay by town and employer
About the job
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. ## QUALITY SPECIALIST, PRECISION MACHINING (STARLINK) – LEVEL 4/5 The Precision Machining team in Woodinville is looking for a quality specialist to lead projects with a strong focus on efficiency, reliability, and compliance with our inspection processes.
This role will support all inspection and quality systems within the Precision Machine shop. ## RESPONSIBILITIES - Sustain and increase scope in production areas - Propose and support the implementation of changes to inspection processes that reduce processing time without sacrificing quality or reliability - Research, prototype, and implement new inspection tools that meet all design and business requirements including safety, quality, cost, and delivery - Drive inspection efficiency by identifying high-variance processes and standardizing/simplifying the inspection approach and acceptance criteria - Collaborate with inspectors, engineers, and shop subject matter experts to solve large-scale production challenges caused by inspection bottlenecks - Streamline and simplify data collection requirements for inspections - Develop training to enable higher-quality and more efficient inspections - Collect and analyze team feedback for opportunities to improve inspection processes - Design, set up, and install tooling and fixtures on CMMs to support advanced inspection requirements - Develop and optimize advanced CMM programs using Calypso software for complex flight hardware geometries - Train and mentor inspectors and engineers on advanced GD&T interpretation and application per ASME Y14.5 ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - 5+ years of hands-on experience in quality, inspection, or manufacturing ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - Understanding of basic & advanced GD&T per ASME Y14.5 - Hands-on experience with developing or prototyping new inspection tools - Experience with CMM operations - Ability to obtain CMM Programming levels 1–3 - Advanced CMM Programming - Expert-level programming and optimization of complex geometries - Proficiency in Calypso CMM software - Ability to develop and validate advanced inspection programs for flight hardware - Design, setup, and installation of tooling and fixtures on CMMs - Ability to train and mentor others in GD&T interpretation and application - Familiarity with quality tools such as lean principles, design of experiments, root cause analysis and corrective action, metrology, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem-solving approaches - Comfortable working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment with flight quality hardware - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be willing to work 1st or 2nd shift hours, overtime, and weekends as needed.
Estimated shift times: - 1 st shift (6:00AM – 4:30PM) - 2 nd shift (4:00PM to 2:30AM ) - Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. unassisted - Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed - up to 10% travel ## Pay Range Level 4: $46.50 - $57.00 Level 5: $52.00 - $64.00 Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. ## 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 .
From SpaceX's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About SpaceX
Designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.
Pay on its listings: 53.2% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on SpaceX's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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