Facilities Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is looking for a Facilities Engineer for their solar cell factory in Wisconsin. The role involves overseeing the maintenance and performance of facility systems critical for high-volume solar cell production. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least one year of relevant experience. The position requires collaboration with various teams to ensure system efficiency and compliance with safety standards. Additional responsibilities include implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability and reduce costs.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional experience in facilities engineering or related field (internship experience applicable).
• Knowledge of high-pressure gases, hazardous chemicals, and associated safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and performance of facility systems.
• Collaborate with teams to maintain systems in peak condition.
• Perform failure assessments and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Experience with cleanroom facility systems

Strong interpersonal skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

Ability to troubleshoot mechanical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or related engineering discipline

Tools

Computerized maintenance management systems

Job description

FACILITIES ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large‑scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high‑efficiency solar power to support intensive computing workloads in space. To make this possible, we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. We are seeking a Facilities Engineer to oversee the maintenance, performance, and continuous improvement of facility systems (power, ultrapure water, exhaust, bulk gases) that support high‑volume solar cell manufacturing. This high‑impact role offers the opportunity to build and shape the organization from the ground up while directly enabling SpaceX's ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the maintenance, performance, and continuous improvement of facility systems including power distribution, ultrapure water, exhaust systems (acidic, caustic, harmful gas, VOC, and general heat), bulk gases, chilled water, and process cooling systems that support high‑volume solar cell manufacturing
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, production teams, and leadership to maintain systems in peak operating condition and develop detailed work instructions for preventative maintenance to ensure zero unplanned interruptions
• Monitor and optimize utility systems supporting wet chemistry texturing, PECVD, PVD, metallization, and cleaning processes
• Perform failure assessments, root‑cause analysis, and implement corrective actions for facility systems
• Ensure work and materials comply with manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and all applicable safety, environmental, and building regulations
• Read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, OEM manuals, and construction drawings for assembly, repair, and optimization
• Present equipment and system performance statuses to internal customers and leadership
• Track and resolve electronic work tickets, manage priorities with minimal guidance, and take on additional responsibilities as needed
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for reliability, uptime, yield, and cost in a high‑volume production environment
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other equipment as required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or related engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in facilities engineering or sustaining engineering for a manufacturing environment (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with cleanroom facility systems, ultrapure water, exhaust abatement, bulk gas delivery, and/or process utility systems supporting semiconductor or solar manufacturing
• Knowledge of high‑pressure gases, flammable gases, hazardous chemicals, and associated safety systems
• Proficiency reading and interpreting P&IDs, schematics, and technical drawings
• Experience with continuous improvement, root‑cause analysis, and implementing preventative maintenance programs
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls systems down to the component level
• Familiarity with commercial building codes, OSHA, EPA, and NFPA standards
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑stress environment balancing multiple projects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and computerized maintenance management systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel internationally (20%)
• Ability to stand up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and maneuver around equipment in a factory setting
• Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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 (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.