Solar Array Manufacturing Process Engineer

spacex; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company dedicated to making space exploration a reality! As a Solar Array Manufacturing & Process Engineer, you will play a crucial role in developing innovative manufacturing processes for satellite solar arrays. This hands-on position requires a blend of engineering expertise and practical skills to ensure high-quality production. You will collaborate with diverse teams to design, implement, and optimize manufacturing systems while addressing challenges in real-time. If you are passionate about engineering and the future of space travel, this is your chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects in a dynamic environment that values creativity and excellence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in manufacturing, fabrication, or assembly.
• Experience with process specifications and production lines.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement manufacturing processes for solar arrays.
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing issues with design teams.

Skills

Manufacturing Engineering

Process Design

CAD (NX preferred)

Statistical Process Control

Lean / Six Sigma

Metal Joining Techniques

Automation Systems Development

Analytical Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Layout and Scheduling Tools

Dimensional Inspection Tools

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.

SOLAR ARRAY MANUFACTURING & PROCESS ENGINEER

SpaceX is seeking an engineer to assist in the development and operation of a cutting-edge manufacturing facility for satellite solar arrays. The facility will create in-house manufacturing of core SpaceX technology, taking arrays from metallic finished parts and solar cells to a completed array and deployment system. This individual will be responsible for partnering with all aspects of our development teams to ensure that we have the capability to quickly turn around high-quality assemblies for uses in our satellite program. This position requires an engineer with experience in mid- to high-volume manufacturing who can apply their skill set to a low/medium-volume product line.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement a medium-volume manufacturing process for the satellite solar array which consists of both photovoltaic and mechanical systems. Must meet strict cost and takt-time requirements.
• Responsible for determining the budget, project schedule, layout, facilities requirements, and number of technicians needed for this manufacturing process.
• Trade manufacturing methods for the fabrication of assemblies and piece parts while working with design engineers to evaluate design impacts. Must have a strong influence on the mechanical design of the flight hardware!
• Determine when automation should or should not be implemented in the manufacturing process.
• Design (CAD) of tooling, fixtures, autonomous end-effectors required by the manufacturing process.
• Design and conduct process qualifications using design of experiments and statistical process control.
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing issues with design and test teams.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
• 3+ years of manufacturing, fabrication, and/or assembly experience
  • Previous experience sizing and balancing of production lines.
  • Previous experience in the design and layout of process or assembly cells.
  • Previous experience with the development of process specifications.
• Previous work experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Metal joining through fastening, TIG/MIG, brazing, bonding.
• Development of automation systems.
• Mid to high volume tooling design.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Process documentation in mixed human and machine-readable forms.
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control and qualification of a production line.
• Demonstrated analytical problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in layout and scheduling tools.
• Proficient in CAD (NX preferred).
• Familiar with all metal forming and surface treatment operations: extrusion, machining, cutting, passivating, anodizing, etc.
• Lean / Six Sigma training.
• Familiarity with GD&T (per ASME Y14.5) for engineering drawings and part inspection, including use of dimensional inspection tools.
• Familiar with various types of automation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a hands-on position that requires one to be on their feet for up to 4+ hours a day. Will sometimes be working directly with the hardware on the floor and will have to be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends as necessary.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about 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 notify the Human Resources Department at [phone].