Machine Maintenance Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Machine Maintenance Specialist based in Bastrop, TX, to ensure the reliability of solar cell production tools. The role requires advanced troubleshooting and maintenance skills with a minimum of 4 years’ experience in industrial settings. Successful candidates will have a high school diploma or GED and relevant technical certifications. Responsibilities include equipment repair, preventive maintenance, and training junior personnel. SpaceX offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of AI data centers.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in industrial or machine maintenance.
• 3+ years of experience maintaining complex manufacturing equipment in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced troubleshooting, repair, and modification support for complex solar cell production equipment.
• Execute preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies targeting >95% availability.
• Perform rapid root-cause analysis and corrective actions on manufacturing systems.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

Troubleshooting

Repairing production equipment

Preventative maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or equivalent technical certification

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

Job description

Machine Maintenance Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink)

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 an experienced Machine Maintenance Specialist to provide advanced troubleshooting, repair, and modification support for complex solar cell production tools. This high‑impact role offers the opportunity to ensure equipment reliability while enabling SpaceX’s ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide advanced troubleshooting, repair, and modification support for complex solar cell production equipment and tools.
• Execute preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies targeting >95% availability.
• Perform rapid root‑cause analysis and corrective actions on vacuum deposition, chemical processing, firing, printing, and diffusion systems.
• Assist in spare parts inventory management and vendor coordination on shifts, optimizing costs.
• Drive OEE improvements and support factory scaling through hands‑on technical initiatives.
• Ensure safety protocols, cleanroom standards, and regulatory compliance during maintenance activities.
• Support the development of training materials for team members on equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and process procedures.
• Train and mentor junior team members on equipment maintenance, safety, and best practices.
• Collaborate with team members to foster technical excellence, accountability, and innovation on the maintenance floor.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED.
• 4+ years of experience in industrial or machine maintenance.
• 3+ years of experience maintaining complex manufacturing equipment in a high‑volume environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree or equivalent technical certification.
• Prior hands‑on experience with semiconductor, solar, or advanced manufacturing equipment maintenance.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing automation and control systems on complex production equipment, including PLC logic, HMIs, sensors, actuators, servo drives, and interlocks.
• Ability to rapidly diagnose faults, implement corrective actions, and restore equipment to full operation while minimizing downtime in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and data analytics for reliability.
• Familiarity with lean, TPM, Six Sigma, cleanroom protocols, and pyrophoric gas handling.
• Experience scaling maintenance in fast‑paced manufacturing environments.

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 for one of the following AWS shifts:
• 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 U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR regulations.

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.