Gas & Chemical Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink) - Day Shift

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, TX seeks a Gas & Chemical Technician for their solar cell manufacturing facility. The role involves managing the safe handling of hazardous gases and chemicals, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and working closely with engineering teams to optimize processes. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, at least 2 years of relevant experience, and strong troubleshooting skills. This position demands attention to safety, with various shifts available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in a technical position within a chemical handling environment.
• Ability to handle, transport, and load hazardous chemicals safely.

Responsibilities

• Manage distribution and recovery of process gases and wet chemicals.
• Perform startup and shutdown of gas and chemical systems.
• Track and perform maintenance on gas and chemical systems.

Skills

Experience handling hazardous gases and chemicals

Troubleshooting skills

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bastrop, TX

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.

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 Gas & Chemical Technician to manage the safe receipt, distribution, monitoring, and recovery of process gases and wet chemicals used in high-volume solar cell production.

Responsibilities

• Manage the safe receipt, distribution, monitoring, storage, and recovery of process gases (including phosphine, silane, ammonia, hydrogen, NF3, diborane, and others) and wet chemicals used in texturing, diffusion, PECVD, etching, and cleaning steps
• Perform startup, shutdown, and monitoring of gas cabinets, chemical delivery systems, and abatement equipment
• Identify process deviations, perform corrective actions, and maintain process parameters through chemical analysis, additions, and system adjustments
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate gas and chemical handling equipment while ensuring design integrity and product quality
• Work closely with engineering teams to develop operating procedures, provide design feedback, and support root‑cause analysis for issues impacting yield or uptime
• Safely handle, transport, and load hazardous chemicals and gases while adhering to all safety protocols
• Collect, segregate, and manage chemical waste streams
• Track and perform preventive maintenance and calibration of gas and chemical systems
• Maintain inventory of consumables and critical spares
• Ensure 5S standards and a clean, organized work area while upholding all safety, quality, and environmental policies

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience working in a hands‑on technical position in a chemical handling environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, or hazardous gases and chemicals (including silane, phosphine, and acids)
• Knowledge of gas delivery systems, chemical distribution, abatement/scrubbers, and safety interlocks
• Experience in semiconductor, solar, or high‑volume manufacturing environments
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to read and understand P&IDs, schematics, and technical documentation
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and gowning procedures
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience with lock‑out/tag‑out, job hazard analysis, and chemical safety protocols
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and executing digital work instructions
• Demonstrated punctuality, ability to work in a high‑stress environment, and flexibility to adjust priorities

Additional Requirements

• 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 for one of the following AWS shifts (start and end times are approximate):
• A Shift – 5:00 am–5:00 pm, Sunday‑Wednesday
• B Shift – 5:00 am–5:00 pm, Wednesday‑Saturday
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.