Manufacturing Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP seeks a Manufacturing Specialist for solar cell production in Bastrop, TX. The role includes operating complex equipment, supporting manufacturing enhancements, and training junior staff. Candidates should have a high school diploma and significant experience in manufacturing. The job offers opportunities to engage in a cutting-edge environment contributing to cost-effective solar solutions for future space infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing/production operations.
• 3+ years of experience operating manufacturing equipment in high-volume environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple complex process stations for solar cell production.
• Perform troubleshooting to maintain production flow.
• Support process improvements and data-driven initiatives.
• Maintain production records and quality documentation.
• Train junior team members on equipment operation and safety.

Skills

Experience operating complex manufacturing equipment

Process troubleshooting

Data-driven initiative support

Training and mentoring

Lean manufacturing principles

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or technical certification

Tools

Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs)

Job description

Manufacturing Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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 a highly skilled Manufacturing Specialist to operate multiple complex process stations and support process improvements. This high‑impact role offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence while enabling SpaceX’s ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple complex process stations including diffusion furnaces, PECVD, screen printers, firing furnaces, and related solar cell production tools.
• Perform minor troubleshooting and rapid corrective actions to maintain production flow.
• Support process improvements, yield optimization, and OEE enhancements through data‑driven initiatives.
• Maintain accurate production records, inventory logs, and quality documentation.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, cleanroom standards, and regulatory compliance during operations.
• Support the development of training materials for team members on equipment operation, safety protocols, and process procedures.
• Train and mentor junior team members on equipment operation, safety, and best practices.
• Contribute to factory scaling efforts and foster technical excellence and accountability on the production floor.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing/production operations.
• 3+ years of experience operating complex manufacturing equipment in a high‑volume environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate’s degree or equivalent technical certification.
• Prior experience with semiconductor, solar, or advanced manufacturing processes.
• Experience operating and navigating Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMIs) on automated production equipment.
• Experience with real‑time process monitoring, parameter adjustments, alarm response, and basic troubleshooting in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, cleanroom protocols, and process data analytics.
• Experience in process troubleshooting, improvements, and training in fast‑paced environments.
• Proven track record supporting high‑volume production scaling.

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 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 (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or 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 ITAR).

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.