Orbital AI Satellite Manufacturing Engineer

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for the Starmind program in Bastrop, TX. You will own the manufacturing line for advanced on-orbit AI compute hardware, from assembly to testing, with emphasis on reliability and scalability.

Responsibilities include defining equipment specs, validating processes, and building supply chains for critical materials and tools. Strong collaboration with design, reliability, and production is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly/test.
• Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB) for process data.
• Experience with production data systems, MES, or traceability infrastructure.
• Familiarity with PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC.

Responsibilities

• Own the development and optimization of high-rate manufacturing for satellite hardware.
• Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development.
• Build supply chains for wafers, gases, chemicals, and equipment for solar cell manufacturing.
• Address material and process challenges in panel-level packaging and next-gen dielectric materials.
• Specify in-process metrology tools and design wafer-level test structures.
• Drive end-to-end material and process R&D to reduce cost and improve reliability.
• Collaborate with leadership across departments to integrate materials innovations into roadmaps.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Microelectronics

Hardware experience

Automation

Tooling design

Python scripting

Process validation

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for the Starmind program in Bastrop, TX. You will own the manufacturing line for advanced on-orbit AI compute hardware, from assembly to testing, with emphasis on reliability and scalability.

Responsibilities include defining equipment specs, validating processes, and building supply chains for critical materials and tools. Strong collaboration with design, reliability, and production is essential.