Metrology Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink) - Day Shift

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

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Metrology Specialist for the Solar Cells division in Bastrop, TX. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and hands-on experience in metrology tools. Responsibilities include maintaining and calibrating equipment for solar cell production, tracking data trends, and supporting engineering teams to ensure measurement accuracy. Applicants must meet certain U.S. Government export regulations and should be available for day shifts. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to SpaceX's groundbreaking projects in solar technology.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a hands-on technical position or relevant degree.
• Knowledge of optical and electrical characterization methods.
• Experience with calibration and maintaining measurement accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot metrology equipment used in production.
• Perform routine calibration and preventive maintenance.
• Work closely with engineering teams to develop procedures.

Skills

Hands-on technical experience

Metrology tools knowledge

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Associate’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

IV testers

Photoluminescence systems

Sheet resistance meters

Statistical process control tools

Job description

Metrology Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink) - Day Shift

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 a Metrology Specialist to maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot metrology tools used to measure cell thickness, sheet resistance, lifetime, efficiency, and other critical parameters.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot metrology equipment including IV testers, photoluminescence (PL) systems, AOI tools, sheet resistance meters, thickness measurement tools, and lifetime testers used throughout solar cell production
• Perform routine calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance on tools supporting texturing, PECVD, PVD, metallization, and final testing steps
• Monitor metrology data trends, identify deviations, and support root cause analysis to ensure cell parameters (efficiency, Voc, Jsc, fill factor) meet targets
• Work closely with engineering teams to develop operating procedures and implement improvements for measurement accuracy and repeatability
• Execute startup/shutdown procedures and maintain equipment in ISO‑classified cleanroom environments
• Support production by performing dispositions on nonconforming cells based on metrology results
• Maintain inventory of consumables and critical spares while upholding strict safety and quality standards
• Track maintenance activities and present equipment status reports to leadership

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience working in a hands‑on technical position OR an associate’s degree in a STEM field

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with metrology or inspection tools in semiconductor, solar, or precision manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of optical, electrical, and materials characterization techniques (IV testing, PL, ellipsometry, sheet resistance)
• Ability to read P&IDs, schematics, and technical documentation
• Experience performing calibrations and maintaining measurement system accuracy in high‑volume production
• Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis tools
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and gowning procedures
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience with lock‑out/tag‑out, job hazard analysis, and chemical safety protocols
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and executing digital work instructions
• Demonstrated punctuality, ability to work in a high‑stress environment, and flexibility to adjust priorities

Additional Requirements

• 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 (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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].