Manufacturing Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX; Lockhart (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for Solar Cells to own production processes and equipment for Starlink solar cell manufacturing. You will drive the line from pilot to full-rate production and liaise with engineering and factory teams to ensure yield, uptime, and cost targets are achieved.

The role emphasizes hands-on process development, data-driven improvements, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment, with ITAR compliance and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience designing, building, manufacturing, or testing hardware (internship experience is applicable).
• Demonstrated experience in high-volume or medium-volume manufacturing environments such as solar, semiconductor, consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with electronics or solar cell manufacturing processes, cleanroom operations, and handling of fragile substrates and process materials.
• Programming and automation skills, such as Python, MATLAB, or PLC programming, for factory automation, data analysis, and yield improvement.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, including root cause analysis (8D or fishbone) and FMEA.
• Experience with quality systems, SPC, and process capability to hold yield and reliability in high-volume production.

Responsibilities

• Design, commission, and qualify production processes and equipment for solar cell manufacturing, from pilot builds through full-rate production.
• Lead the production ramp by working through multi-disciplinary issues to hit volume, yield, and cost targets.
• Drive yield, uptime, and rate improvements to hit program targets (OEE).
• Lead prototype and engineering builds, ensuring incremental milestones for production development are met.
• Provide feedback to the design and process teams to improve design for manufacturability and process robustness.
• Collaborate with equipment engineering, supply chain, production technicians, and quality to keep processes stable and solve production problems quickly.
• Identify and establish requirements for automation opportunities, and evaluate them for return on investment.
• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training for owned processes.
• Drive corrective actions, root cause analysis, and process improvements on owned processes and products.
• Use process and equipment data to find bottlenecks, cut scrap, and put preventive actions in place that protect rate and yield.

Skills

CAD software

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Python programming

PLC programming

Root cause analysis

SPC

Automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Job description

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)

At the company we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system — thousands of satellites, ground station gateways, and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact, and we are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

The Solar Cell team is scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells that power Starlink satellites, launch vehicles, and beyond. These cells have to be high-performance, low-cost, and ultra-reliable, and the factory that builds them has to ramp quickly without giving up yield. As a manufacturing engineer for solar cells, you will own the production processes and equipment that turn development hardware into full-rate manufacturing. You will drive the line from early process concept through commissioning, qualification, and sustained production, and you will be the link between engineering development and the factory floor. Come join this high-performing team and build the factory behind the world’s largest satellite constellation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, commission, and qualify production processes and equipment for solar cell manufacturing, from pilot builds through full-rate production
• Lead the production ramp by working through multi-disciplinary issues to hit volume, yield, and cost targets
• Drive yield, uptime, and rate improvements to hit program targets (OEE)
• Lead prototype and engineering builds, ensuring incremental milestones for production development are met
• Provide feedback to the design and process teams to improve design for manufacturability and process robustness
• Collaborate with equipment engineering, supply chain, production technicians, and quality to keep processes stable and solve production problems quickly
• Identify and establish requirements for automation opportunities, and evaluate them for return on investment
• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training for owned processes
• Drive corrective actions, root cause analysis, and process improvements on owned processes and products
• Use process and equipment data to find bottlenecks, cut scrap, and put preventive actions in place that protect rate and yield

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience designing, building, manufacturing, or testing hardware (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience in high-volume or medium-volume manufacturing environments such as solar, semiconductor, consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial equipment
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks) for design and modeling of manufacturing tools, fixtures, and process equipment
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization to support rapid iteration and high-volume production
• Familiarity with electronics or solar cell manufacturing processes, cleanroom operations, and handling of fragile substrates and process materials
• Programming and automation skills, such as Python, MATLAB, or PLC programming, for factory automation, data analysis, and yield improvement
• Strong problem-solving abilities, including root cause analysis (e.g., 8D or fishbone diagrams) and experience with failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
• Experience with quality systems, statistical process control (SPC), and process capability to hold yield and reliability in high-volume production
• Exposure to production machinery, industrial sensors, and automation (motion systems, dispense, metrology, temperature control, robotics, and similar equipment)
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment with cross-functional collaboration across design, equipment, supply chain, test, and production
• Working knowledge of factory safety practices, including chemical and cleanroom hazards common to electronics and solar manufacturing
• Excellent communication skills for documenting processes, presenting data, and training production teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted

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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s Aff i …? or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].