Manufacturing Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for AI Satellites (Starmind) in Bastrop, TX. You will own the end-to-end manufacture of satellite compute hardware, from assembly to test, in a mission-critical environment.

The role emphasizes development of high-rate processes, materials qualification, and supply-chain readiness for advanced on-orbit AI compute systems. Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.
• Internship, co-op, or early-career experience in hardware or manufacturing.
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly or test.
• Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB) for process data analysis or automation.
• Familiarity with PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Own the development and optimization of high-rate manufacturing for satellite hardware.
• Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development— including device modeling, characterization of performance metrics, and materials failure analysis.
• Build supply chains for wafers, gases, chemicals, and equipment for solar cell manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for materials (e.g., silicon wafers, conductive pastes).
• Address material and process challenges in panel-level packaging while spearheading the development of next-generation dielectric materials to improve packaging performance and scalability.
• Specify and implement in-process metrology tools for quality control. Design wafer-level test structures to evaluate material/electronic properties. Integrate simulation tools with experimental data to guide and drive targeted improvements via material or process changes.
• Drive end-to-end material and process R&D programs, from concept through product implementation, to drive cost down, efficiency improvements, and reliability in electronic systems.
• Collaborate closely with leadership and stakeholders across all departments—including design, reliability, production, and supply chain—to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability for operations and reliability.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.

Skills

Microelectronics

Hardware design

Automation

Scripting (Python/MATLAB)

Robotic systems

Manufacturing process development

PFMEA/SPC

GD&T

Manufacturing traceability

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

MANUFACTURINGENGINEER,AI SATELLITES(STARMIND)

SpaceX isleveragingits experience deploying andoperatingthe world’s largest satellite constellation to developStarmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demandshighly reliable,high-performanceelectricalcomputehardware, solar power systems, thermal radiators, and more. These systems mustoperatein the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference.

TheStarmindteam designs, builds, andoperatesthe orbital compute fabric of the future. We developnearly everykey piece of technology in house – from the satellites’ flight computers and power systems to the fully custom compute electronics, memory, and networking that form the brain of our on-orbit data centers. As a Manufacturing Engineer on theStarmindteam,you’llhave ownership over the entire manufacturing line for the hardware that enables advanced on-orbit AI processing and data center workloads. Your work spans the assembly, integration, and testing of industry-leading compute electronics, memory, and networkingin order toachieve required domain sizes and processing workloads.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ownthe development and optimization ofhigh-ratemanufacturing for satellite
• Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development— including device modeling, characterization of performance metrics, and materials failure analysis.
• Build supply chains for wafers, gases, chemicals, and equipment for solar cell manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for materials (e.g.silicon wafers, conductive pastes).
• Address material and process challenges in panel-level packaging while spearheading the development of next-generation dielectric materials to improve packaging performance and scalability.
• Specify and implement in-process metrology tools for quality control. Design wafer-level test structures to evaluate material/electronic properties. Integrate simulation tools with experimental data to guide and drive targeted improvements via material or process changes.
• Drive end-to-end material and process R&D programs, from concept through product implementation, to drive cost down, efficiency improvements, and reliability in electronic systems.
• Collaborate closely with leadership and stakeholders across all departments—including design, reliability, production, and supply chain—to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability for operations and reliability.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Internship, co-op, or early-career experience in hardware, robotics, automation, or manufacturing environments
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly or test applications
• Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) for process data analysis or automation
• Experience working with precision assemblies, robotic systems, or automated pick-and-place equipment
• Familiarity with manufacturing process development methodologies (e.g., PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC)
• Exposure to GD&T and tolerance analysis as applied to fixture and tooling design
• Experience with or interest in production data systems, MES, or manufacturing traceability infrastructure
• Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing practices

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• 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 Definitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail] .