Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

Latent AI; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company based in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to develop advanced materials for solar cell efficiency in the Starlink project. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams and have a strong background in semiconductor physics and device fabrication. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering space technology initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.
• Experience in CVD, PVD, or related device fabrication.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques like SEM, AFM, or FTIR.

Responsibilities

• Lead CVD recipe development to enhance solar cell efficiency.
• Manage supply chains for solar cell manufacturing.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve material performance.

Skills

CVD experience

Semiconductor device physics

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD in related field

Tools

Microscopy techniques

Device testing methods

Job description

Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

Bastrop, TX

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.

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 6M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we are looking for 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 bring deep expertise in semiconductor device physics and device fabrication, along with 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 (e.g., silicon wafers, conductive pastes).
• Address material and process challenges in panel‑level packaging while spearheading the development of next‑generation dielectric materials to improve packaging performance and scalability.
• 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 and drive targeted improvements via material or process changes.
• 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—including design, reliability, production, and supply chain—to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability for operations and reliability.
• 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 as well as 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% 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 (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.

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