Jarod Alves
Pflugerville
Summary
Manufacturing and process engineering specialist with strong experience in high-volume aerospace production. Developed production systems, optimized processes, commissioned new production lines, and led cross-functional improvement projects. Expertise in lean manufacturing, automation, process development, DOE execution, and technical documentation.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Manufacturing Specialist, PCB Engineering
SpaceX
Bastrop
07.2023 - Current
- Supported ramp-up of SpaceX's largest PCB manufacturing facility from initial production to an average output exceeding 30,000 units per week.
- Commissioned, standardized, and optimized production processes for Outer Layer Photolithography operations.
- Planned and executed Design of Experiments (DOE) to improve process capability, manufacturing yield, and equipment throughput.
- Developed and standardized manufacturing documentation across four unique PCB manufacturing processes spanning multiple engineering organizations.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, process stability, equipment utilization, and product quality.
- Collaborated closely with process engineering, equipment engineering, manufacturing, and reliability teams to resolve production issues and improve factory performance.
- Coordinated logistics for installation and commissioning of '52' manufacturing assets, ensuring timely equipment receiving, staging, installation, and startup.
- Facilitated interviewing, onboarding, and training of manufacturing specialists, technicians, and engineers to enhance team capabilities.
Starlink Manufacturing Specialist
SpaceX
Hawthorne
02.2022 - 07.2023
- Designed and implemented a semi-automated sticker application process that eliminated manual labor while increasing production rate to maximum line capacity.
- Collaborated with Engineering and Reliability teams to define and implement the Starlink cosmetic sticker specification.
- Optimized automation systems and upgraded hardware on production bottlenecks, increasing throughput by approximately 15% while exceeding the line's theoretical maximum units-per-hour target.
- Led workstation improvement initiatives focused on ergonomics, manufacturing efficiency, and product flow.
- Authored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) documentation for successful launch of High Performance production line.
- Utilized Siemens NX and Teamcenter to support manufacturing development and documentation.
- Supported cross-functional engineering initiatives for production optimization, automation integration, and process improvements, contributing to overall operational effectiveness.
- Maintained accurate records regarding daily operations including product output, labor hours, scrap rates.
Starlink Production Associate
SpaceX
Hawthorne
08.2021 - 02.2022
- Results-driven manufacturing and process engineering specialist with extensive experience supporting high-volume aerospace manufacturing at SpaceX. Proven ability to develop production systems, optimize manufacturing processes, commission new production lines, lead cross-functional improvement projects, and drive measurable gains in throughput, quality, and equipment performance.
- Established foundation in Lean Manufacturing, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), 5S methodology, and manufacturing troubleshooting to enhance operational efficiency.
- Acted as first responder to production equipment downtime, facilitating rapid troubleshooting and recovery.
- Maintained consumable inventory and prepared automated epoxy dispensing systems to support daily production operations.
- Promoted to Acting Manufacturing Specialist within six months based on technical performance and leadership.
- Managed remaining inventory during department decommissioning and equipment transition in collaboration with engineering and management.
- Conducted quality checks on finished products to meet SpaceX standards.
- Trained new employees on proper use of machinery, safety protocols, and quality control procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Biology
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05-2021
Skills
- Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- Lean manufacturing principles
- 5S methodology
- Continuous improvement strategies
- Design of experiments (DOE)
- Root cause analysis techniques
- Process development expertise
- Siemens NX proficiency
- Teamcenter knowledge
- Manufacturing Documentation
Timeline
Manufacturing Specialist, PCB Engineering
SpaceX
07.2023 - Current
Starlink Manufacturing Specialist
SpaceX
02.2022 - 07.2023
Starlink Production Associate
SpaceX
08.2021 - 02.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Human Biology
University of Southern California