Quality Inspector, Solar Cells (Starlink)

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Quality Inspector to perform visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of solar cells at incoming, in-process, and final stages and to conduct final outgoing verification. You will operate metrology tools and document results, ensuring compliance with quality standards in a cleanroom environment.

Responsibilities include verifying key cell parameters, supporting root cause analysis, and collaborating with production and engineering to improve yield and reduce defects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency (required).
• 2+ years of quality inspection experience in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of solar cells at incoming, in-process, and final stages.
• Perform final outgoing quality verification and packout inspections before shipment.
• Document inspection results and support root cause analysis for quality issues.
• Work with production and engineering teams to improve yield and reduce defects.
• Maintain records in cleanroom environments and follow safety requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

IV testers

Photoluminescence (PL)

Electroluminescence (EL)

AOI systems

Sheet resistance meters

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.

QUALITY INSPECTOR, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)

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 Quality Inspector to conduct visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of solar cells at various production stages and perform final outgoing quality verification.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of solar cells at incoming, in-process, and final stages including checks for cracks, chips, edge quality, print defects, and layer uniformity
• Operate and interpret results from metrology tools such as IV testers (AM1.5/AM0), photoluminescence (PL), electroluminescence (EL), AOI systems, and sheet resistance meters
• Verify critical cell parameters including efficiency, Voc, Jsc, fill factor, thickness, and lifetime against targets
• Perform final outgoing quality verification and packout inspections prior to shipment
• Document inspection results, disposition nonconforming material, and support root cause analysis for quality issues
• Work closely with production and engineering teams to improve yield and reduce defects
• Maintain inspection records and ensure compliance with quality standards in cleanroom environments
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and uphold 5S and safety requirements

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience performing quality inspections in a manufacturing environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with solar cell, semiconductor, or precision electronics inspection processes
• Familiarity with optical inspection, electrical testing, and materials characterization tools
• Knowledge of quality metrics such as efficiency, Voc, Jsc, fill factor, and defect classification
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and engineering drawings
• Experience with statistical process control and quality documentation systems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in ISO-classified cleanrooms
• 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 for up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 lbs. 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 (start and end times are approximate):
  • A Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Wednesday
  • B Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday

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 Aff... or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].