Engineering Manager, Wastewater Treatment & Ultrapure Water (Starlink)

SpaceX•Bastrop, TX

About The Position

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. ENGINEERING MANAGER, WASTEWATER TREATMENT & ULTRAPURE WATER (STARLINK) Starlink will continue to spearhead the next era of space infrastructure as we prepare to launch next-generation connectivity satellites, strive to scale our userbase to 100 million users globally, and begin development on large-scale AI data centers in orbit. Our Bastrop, TX site has multiple manufacturing processes consuming ultrapure water (>18mOhm) and generating complex waste streams, representing >10,000 gallons per minute of total capacity across 24/7 operations. This includes one of the largest PCB manufacturing lines in North America and soon to be one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. To support this mission, we are seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of multiple large scale, state of the art (fully closed loop/zld) ultrapure and wastewater treatment plants.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline
8+ years of experience in wastewater treatment design, construction, and operations for industrial facilities
2+ years of experience leading engineering teams

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, materials engineering, or material science
5+ years of experience leading large cross-functional teams and external contractors on greenfield projects
5+ years of experience and proven track record of success in high-growth and high-volume manufacturing environments (e.g., solar, semiconductors, batteries)
Deep expertise in advanced treatment technologies and chemicals associated with semiconductor/photovoltaic manufacturing effluents (e.g. HJT, PERC, TOPCon processes)
Hands-on experience with zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems, including thermal evaporators and crystallizers
Proficiency in process simulation software, P&ID development, and equipment sizing
Familiarity with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and DCS systems supporting process automation
Experience managing $50M+ budgets on rapid timelines with impeccable safety record
Strong knowledge of US environmental regulations and permitting processes
Ability to travel internationally (10%)
Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces

Responsibilities

Lead the full lifecycle of UPW and wastewater treatment facilities, from conceptual design through commissioning, startup, and ongoing operations, ensuring compliance with all environmental regulations (e.g., EPA, NPDES)
Support wastewater treatment systems for vertically integrated (ingot/wafer/cell) multi-GW thin-film solar PV, PCB, and silicon packaging manufacturing lines
Ensure 100% compliance with ultra-pure water reuse goals and hazardous waste minimization
Develop and manage design specifications for advanced treatment processes, including chemical precipitation and clarification, membrane filtration (TMF/UF/RO), EDI and IX, membrane degasification systems, advanced oxidation processes (AOP), and solids handling tailored to a variety of effluents (e.g., high COD, heavy metals, fluoride, solvents, silica, etc.)
Lead cross-functional teams for ZLD systems, including advanced RO, evaporation, and crystallization systems (mechanical vapor recompression, forced circulation, etc.)
Oversee and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (process, civil structural, mechanical, electrical, controls) and external EPC contractors to deliver the facility on aggressive timelines and within budget
Grow a high-output multi-disciplinary organization that will set the standards and plan for fast build out and turn-on of multiple UPW and wastewater plants, likely spanning more than Bastrop, TX geography over time
Manage operational teams post-commissioning, implementing predictive maintenance, SCADA/PLC automation, and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure safety-first culture, HAZOP studies, and risk assessments for handling hazardous waste in a high-volume industrial environment
Interface with regulatory agencies, conduct permitting, and prepare technical reports/due diligence for environmental audits