Sr. Water Treatment Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is looking for a Sr. Water Treatment Engineer in Bastrop, TX to lead the design and management of ultrapure water systems for their solar cell manufacturing. This role is key in ensuring the effectiveness of operations crucial for supporting the next generation of satellites that will enhance connectivity worldwide.

The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in manufacturing and project management, focusing on regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. SpaceX offers competitive advantages along with a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Drive design and operations of ultrapure water systems.
• Ensure safe and effective plant operations.
• Form partnerships for continuous improvement.

Skills

Wastewater treatment experience

Process parameters understanding

Mechanical equipment repair

Lean manufacturing principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science

Job description

Sr. Water Treatment Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

At SpaceX we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large‑scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high‑efficiency solar power to support intensive computing workloads in space. To make this possible, we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. We are seeking a best‑in‑class Water Treatment Engineer to drive design, commissioning, build, and operations of ultrapure water and wastewater systems. This high‑impact role will help shape process strategies from the ground up while enabling SpaceX’s ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.

As a Sr. Water Treatment Engineer on the Starlink manufacturing program, you will take ownership for activating, qualifying, optimizing, and ensuring the consistency of operations for an ultrapure process water plant supporting our solar cell manufacturing lines. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and operationalization of equipment, facilities, tooling, and manufacturing process technologies necessary for high‑volume production. Your work will form the backbone for millions of next‑generation satellites used all over the world. For homes, schools, businesses, vehicles, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in ensuring high‑speed connectivity is available to all who need it.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate extreme ownership in the construction, activation, and operation of a new commercial ultrapure process water treatment facility
• Design, implement, and productionize mechanical and fluid systems that meet SpaceX and regulatory requirements
• Interpret lab analysis, data streams, and operator feedback to effectively maintain safe and effective plant operations
• Develop, implement, maintain, and improve operational procedures, methods, and process equipment
• Form strong partnerships with internal and external counterparts, including manufacturing operations and engineering, environment health and safety (EHS), facilities construction and maintenance teams, representatives of regulatory bodies, OEM equipment manufactures, and supplier representatives
• Identify and champion continuous improvement projects
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines
• Monitor and communicate area status and risks

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment or with fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis (internship or project team experience is applicable)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 7+ years hands‑on project experience in wastewater treatment
• Experience with process parameters and engineering units for temperature, pressure, flow, and power
• Ability to read and understand process PFDs, P&IDs, 2D and 3D CAD drawings, construction drawings, and BOMs
• Experience with mechanical equipment and systems requiring the isolation of the malfunction, disassembly of industrial machinery, and repair/replacement of bearings, gears, structural components
• Experience with lock out tag out, job hazard analysis, and hot work permitting
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles
• Experience taking products from research and development into production

Additional Requirements

• Able to work all shifts and available for weekends as needed
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Able to work outside with hand tools
• Able to stand, climb, walk and work with object overhead
• 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].