Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is looking for a Sr. Materials Engineer in Bastrop, TX to drive the development and optimization of materials for Starlink. You will leverage expertise in semiconductor device physics and manage the lifecycle of equipment and processes.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years in microelectronics and strong leadership abilities to collaborate across departments and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.
• Strong background in photovoltaic device fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of CVD recipes to boost solar cell efficiency.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Expertise in semiconductor device physics

CVD process experience

Electrical device testing methods

Cross-functional leadership skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in materials science or electrical engineering

Tools

SEM/EDS

Raman spectroscopy

AFM

Job description

Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system— thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that brings it all together. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we seek the best‑in‑class engineers to join the team.

We are seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to join our Bastrop, TX team, where we are advancing materials technologies to support the deployment of Starlink. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in semiconductor device physics and device fabrication, and hands‑on industry experience in at least one of the following domains—solar cell development, panel‑level packaging, or printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing—to drive material and process innovations across all three areas. This position requires a technical expert who delivers thoughtful leadership, collaborates with stakeholders to execute strategies aligned with Starlink’s business objectives, budget, and priorities, while orchestrating end‑to‑end equipment and process development. You will push material and device performance limits to enable high‑efficiency, reliable systems for space and terrestrial applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of CVD recipes and device fabrication processes to boost solar cell efficiency.
• Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development—including device modeling, characterization of performance metrics, and materials failure analysis.
• Build supply chains for wafers, gases, chemicals, and equipment for solar cell manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for materials.
• Address material and process challenges in panel‑level packaging while spearheading the development of next‑generation dielectric materials.
• Specify and implement in‑process metrology tools for quality control. Design wafer‑level test structures to evaluate material/electronic properties. Integrate simulation tools with experimental data to guide targeted improvements.
• Drive end‑to‑end material and process R&D programs from concept through product implementation to drive cost down, efficiency improvements, and reliability in electronic systems.
• Collaborate closely with leadership and stakeholders across all departments—design, reliability, production, and supply chain—to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.
• Mentor and develop engineers, providing technical guidance and project oversight.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, electrical engineering, or an engineering degree.
• 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in semiconductor device physics with extensive hands‑on CVD, PVD, and related device fabrication experience; preferred background in photovoltaics.
• Expertise in electrical device testing methods (IV, CV, Hall effect, TLM) and optical device characterization (ellipsometry, UV‑VIS‑IR spectroscopy, PL, EL, QSSPC).
• Proficiency in microscopy and analytical techniques (SEM/EDS, Raman, XRD, AFM, XPS, SIMS, FTIR, DMA, DSC).
• Proven cross‑functional leadership skills, with experience aligning diverse teams to achieve shared technology goals.
• Strong communication skills for presenting to stakeholders and guiding and mentoring junior engineers.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of time.
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. 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, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or mental or physical disability.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affimative Action Plan or requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].