Water Treatment Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Water Treatment Engineer for the Starlink manufacturing program in Bastrop, Texas. This role involves the construction and operation of ultrapure water treatment facilities to support advanced manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields and 1+ years of relevant experience. The position requires collaboration across various teams to meet SpaceX engineering standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment or in fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis.
• Experience with mechanical equipment requiring repair/replacement of structural components.
• Experience with lock‑out/tag‑out and job hazard analysis.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of activating and operating a new ultrapure process water treatment facility.
• Design and implement mechanical and fluid systems to meet requirements.
• Develop and implement operational procedures and process equipment.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science

Tools

2D and 3D CAD

Job description

Overview

SpaceX is developing a low‑latency broadband internet system, Starlink, aiming to provide reliable internet worldwide. We seek engineers to develop tools and processes that support design, production, and operation across Starlink manufacturing lines.

Position: Water Treatment Engineer

As a 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 printed circuit board, silicon packaging, and solar cell manufacturing lines.

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 maintain safe, effective plant operations.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and improve operational procedures, methods, and process equipment.
• Form partnerships with internal and external counterparts (manufacturing operations, engineering, EHS, facilities, regulatory bodies, OEMs, suppliers).
• Identify and champion continuous improvement projects.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for new processes or machines.
• Monitor and communicate area status and risks.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science.
• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment or in fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis (internship or project team experience acceptable).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ 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 requiring isolation, disassembly, and repair/replacement of bearings, gears, or structural components.
• Experience with lock‑out/tag‑out, job hazard analysis, and hot‑work permitting.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience taking products from R&D into production.

Additional Requirements

• Able to work all shifts and available for weekends as needed.
• Ability to stand for long periods, climb ladders, bend, grasp, sit, pull, push, stoop, stretch.
• Able to lift up to 25 lb unassisted.
• Able to work outside with hand tools and to stand, climb, walk and work overhead.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or eligible for required authorizations per ITAR.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or mental or physical disability. For questions regarding accommodations, contact [e-mail].