Sr. Chemical Engineer

Spacex; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX seeks a Sr. Chemical Engineer to lead state-of-the-art PCB production processes for Starlink.

You will design and implement environmentally friendly chemical recycling strategies and mass-production capable processes, becoming a multi-disciplinary expert in PCB fabrication. You will own PCB production processes from initial machine design to DOE-driven optimization, interfacing with senior leadership during critical design phases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of chemical engineering design, analysis, and/or system implementation.
• Willingness to relocate to Bastrop, TX and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain new/improved manufacturing processes, equipment, technologies, and facilities.
• Analyze production processes and machinery from first principles, physics-based approach.
• Develop experiments to diagnose and correct manufacturing problems using robust DOE and statistics.
• Perform defect characterization to determine root causes and improve yields.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analyses for new processes or machines.
• Own and perform machine activation and testing with a small team of engineers and technicians.

Skills

Chemical engineering

DOE (design of experiments)

Process development

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Mass production scaling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Master’s degree in chemistry / chemical engineering / materials science / environmental or related

Job description

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

SR. CHEMICAL ENGINEER, PCB (STARLINK)

the company is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best-in-class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Sr. Chemical Engineer on Starlink, you will spearhead state of the art production processes for our printed circuit boards (PCBs). You will design and implement environmentally friendly chemical recycling strategies, develop highly capable processes for use in mass production, and become a multi-disciplinary expert in PCB fabrication. Your work will form the backbone for millions of next generation consumer facing devices that we ship directly to customers and businesses all over the world. From private homes, RVs, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in leveling the playing field for high-speed connectivity. You will own various PCB production processes, from initial machine design to running hands-on process DOEs, and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases.By the end of this year, the Starlink factory in Bastrop will be the largest PCB manufacturing facility by volume in North America.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining new and/or improved manufacturing processes, equipment, technologies, and facilities. Examples could include metal plating lines, copper etching lines, direct or electroless metallization lines, water and chemical waste treatment, plasma etching systems, etc.

• Analyze production processes and machinery from a first principles, physics-based approach

• Develop experiments to diagnose and correct manufacturing problems, utilizing robust DOE and statistical methodologies

• Perform defect characterization and analysis to determine root cause and develop action plans to improve yields

• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines

• Own and perform machine activation and testing with a small team of engineers and technicians

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

• 5+ years of experience in chemical engineering design, analysis, and/or system implementation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental, or related technical discipline

• Hands-on experience working with complex fluid or mechanical based production systems in a professional setting

• Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing and scaling to high-volume as part of a cross-functional team

• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

• Experience with PCB manufacturing processes like metal plating lines, copper etching lines, direct or electroless metallization lines, water and chemical waste treatment, plasma etching systems, etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel frequently for work, potentially for extended periods of time during machine buyoffs and startup

• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted

• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

• This role is based in Bastrop, TX and requires relocation if not local to the area. Remote or hybrid work will NOT be considered

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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s Aff….