Lead Production Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Starlink; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Production Technician to run an assigned area of the solar cell line. You will lead a crew to meet safety, output, and quality targets, and ensure ongoing process monitoring from texturing through test.

Responsibilities include startup/shutdown, data logging, quality checks, collaborating with maintenance and engineering, maintaining 5S and cleanroom standards, and mentoring technicians on process flow and SpaceX systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• 1+ years training technicians or associates, or leading a team on a production shift.
• Experience operating solar/semiconductor equipment (vacuum deposition, wet processing, or screen printing).
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, schematics, and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of production technicians and associates to hit daily safety, output, and quality targets and run key equipment.
• Execute startup/shutdown, run shift handover, and maintain process parameters within released window.
• Complete in-process inspections, data logging, and quality checks, and maintain production records in the MES.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering on downtime root cause and preventive maintenance.
• Enforce safety, quality, cleanroom, and 5S standards; maintain daily audit checklists.
• Train production staff on process flow, work instructions, and SpaceX systems; provide performance feedback.

Skills

Vacuum deposition

Process parameters

SPC

Reading schematics

Troubleshooting

Cleanroom

Communication

Lockout/tagout

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital work instructions

Job description

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.

LEAD PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN - SOLAR CELLS (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 Lead Production Technician to run an assigned area of the cell line during the shift: execute skilled operations on solar cell production equipment, set the standard for the crew, and keep process monitoring, troubleshooting, and quality control consistent from texturing through test.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a team of production technicians and associates to hit daily safety, output, and quality targets. Schedule and assign the work through the shift, and still run texturing, PECVD, PVD, metallization, and test equipment
• Execute startup and shutdown, run shift handover, and hold process parameters in the released window; identify deviations and take corrective action
• Complete in-process inspections, data logging, and quality checks, including PL, AOI, and IV testing support, and keep production records current in the manufacturing execution system
• Work with maintenance and engineering on downtime root cause, coordinate preventive maintenance and calibration, and help write and refine operating procedures to reduce cost and downtime, and raise yield
• Enforce safety, quality, cleanroom, and 5S standards; confirm daily audit checklists for safety, cleanliness, tool traceability, and process adherence
• Train production associates and technicians on process flow, work instructions, and internal SpaceX systems; provide regular feedback on output, efficiency, quality, and safety, and partner with the supervisor on performance feedback

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment
• 1+ years training technicians or associates, or leading a team on a production shift

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience operating vacuum deposition, wet processing, or screen printing equipment in solar or semiconductor manufacturing
• Knowledge of process parameters for temperature, pressure, flow, and gas chemistry
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and data-driven decision making
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, schematics, and work instructions
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a high-volume production setting
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and gowning procedures
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to direct a crew 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
• Experience ramping a new production line and holding a crew to a written standard while the process is still changing

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel internationally (10%)
• 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 alternating work schedule (AWS) shifts (start and end times are approximate):
  • A Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Wednesday
  • B Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday

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 (aka 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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affiative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].