Manufacturing Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for the Starmind program to own the manufacturing line for satellite compute hardware, memory, and networking, from assembly through test, enabling on-orbit AI processing.

You will define equipment specs, validate processes, build supply chains for wafers, gases, chemicals, and equipment for solar cell manufacturing, and drive cost, efficiency, and reliability improvements across materials and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Own development and optimization of high-rate manufacturing 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.
• 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.
• Drive end-to-end material and process R&D programs, from concept through product implementation, to drive cost down, efficiency improvements, and reliability.
• Collaborate across departments—including design, reliability, production, and supply chain to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

Skills

Microelectronics manufacturing

Automation & tooling experience

Scripting / data analysis (Python,MATL

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Robotic systems

Automation equipment

Fixture & tooling design

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.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high-performance electrical compute hardware, solar power systems, thermal radiators, and more. These systems must operate in the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference.

The Starmind team designs, builds, and operates the orbital compute fabric of the future. We develop nearly every key 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 the Starmind team, you’ll have 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 networking in order to achieve required domain sizes and processing workloads.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the development and optimization of high-rate manufacturing 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:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering degree.
• 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

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 Affi…? ???. [e-mail].