Manufacturing Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX•Bastrop, TX

17h

About The Position

SpaceX is scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells that power Starlink satellites, launch vehicles, and other applications. The cells must be high-performance, low-cost, and reliable, and the factory must ramp quickly while maintaining yield. The Manufacturing Engineer owns production processes and equipment that transition development hardware into full-rate manufacturing. The role drives production from early process concepts through commissioning, qualification, and sustained production, and connects engineering development with the factory floor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
At least 1 year of experience designing, building, manufacturing, or testing hardware; internship experience is applicable.
Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
Must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in high- or medium-volume manufacturing, such as solar, semiconductor, consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial equipment.
Proficiency in CAD software such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks for design and modeling manufacturing tools, fixtures, and process equipment.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization for rapid iteration and high-volume production.
Familiarity with electronics or solar cell manufacturing processes, cleanroom operations, and handling fragile substrates and process materials.
Programming and automation skills, such as Python, MATLAB, or PLC programming, for factory automation, data analysis, and yield improvement.
Problem-solving experience including root cause analysis methods such as 8D or fishbone diagrams, and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
Experience with quality systems, statistical process control (SPC), and process capability in high-volume production.
Exposure to production machinery, industrial sensors, and automation such as motion systems, dispensing, metrology, temperature control, and robotics.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment and collaborate across design, equipment, supply chain, test, and production.
Working knowledge of factory safety practices, including chemical and cleanroom hazards common to electronics and solar manufacturing.
Excellent communication skills for documenting processes, presenting data, and training production teams.

Responsibilities

Design, commission, and qualify solar cell manufacturing processes and equipment from pilot builds through full-rate production.
Lead the production ramp, resolving multidisciplinary issues to achieve volume, yield, and cost targets.
Improve yield, uptime, and production rate to meet program targets, including OEE.
Lead prototype and engineering builds and ensure production-development milestones are met.
Provide feedback to design and process teams to improve design for manufacturability and process robustness.
Collaborate with equipment engineering, supply chain, production technicians, and quality to stabilize processes and resolve production problems quickly.
Identify requirements for automation opportunities and evaluate their return on investment.
Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training for owned processes.
Drive corrective actions, root cause analysis, and process improvements for owned processes and products.
Use process and equipment data to identify bottlenecks, reduce scrap, and implement preventive actions that protect rate and yield.