Sr. Chemical Engineer

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking a Sr. Chemical Engineer for Starlink PCB manufacturing.

You will lead state-of-the-art production processes for printed circuit boards, design environmentally friendly recycling strategies, and develop mass production capabilities while collaborating with cross-functional teams. You will own PCB production processes from machine design to DOE testing, interact with senior leadership, and help scale Starlink's Bastrop facility to become the largest PCB plant in North

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in chemical engineering design, analysis, and/or system implementation.
• Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental, or related field is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with complex fluid or mechanical production systems.
• Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing at high volume.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes, equipment, and facilities.
• Analyze production processes using first principles and physics-based approaches.
• Design experiments and DOEs to diagnose and correct issues; improve yields.
• Characterize defects and define root-cause actions.
• Create project plans with budgets and cost/benefit analyses.
• Own machine activation and testing with a small team.

Skills

5+ years of experience in chemical eng

DOE & statistics

Process development

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in related technical discipline

Tools

Metal plating lines

Copper etching lines

Metallization lines (direct or electroless)

Waste treatment systems

Plasma etching systems

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.

SR. CHEMICAL ENGINEER, PCB (STARLINK)

SpaceX 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.

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 Affiantve Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].