Manager, Solar Cell Facilities Operations (Starlink)

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.

MANAGER, SOLAR CELL FACILITIES OPERATIONS (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we are building the future of sustainable space exploration and global connectivity, including advanced solar technologies to power our satellite constellations and ground infrastructure. As the Manager of Solar Cell Facilities Operations, you will lead the day-to-day operations of critical support infrastructure for a high-volume solar cell manufacturing plant that supplies Starlink, Starship, Mars and beyond. You will lead operations of a gas farm, chemical storage and distribution system, wastewater treatment plant and building infrastructure systems to ensure 24/7 factory uptime. This role demands a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment to drive operational excellence in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversee daily operations of a gas farm, including procurement, storage, distribution, and maintenance of industrial gases essential for solar cell processes
  • Manage chemical storage and distribution systems, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, inventory tracking, and delivery to production lines while minimizing waste and environmental impact
  • Direct the wastewater treatment plant and gaseous exhaust operations, including monitoring processes, ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., EPA standards), and optimizing for recycling where feasible to support sustainable manufacturing
  • Manage critical building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems to ensure safety of personnel and properly tuned production environment
  • Develop and implement operational procedures, preventative maintenance schedules, safety training, and emergency response plans for all facilities to maintain 24/7 uptime and mitigate risks
  • Lead a team of technicians and operators, providing training and performance management, while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with engineering, production, and EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) teams to troubleshoot issues, integrate new processes, and scale operations as factory output grows
  • Track key performance metrics (e.g., downtime, yield impacts from facilities, compliance rates) and report to senior leadership to inform strategic decisions
  • Ensure adherence to all relevant regulations, including OSHA, NFPA, and local environmental codes, while driving cost efficiencies in facilities management

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline OR 3+ years of experience managing a facilities operations team
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial facilities operations with at least 2+ years of experience in launch, semiconductor, solar, or photovoltaic manufacturing facilities
  • Experience with safety regulations and hazardous materials handling (e.g., HAZWOPER certification or equivalent)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Ability to work in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment and make data-driven decisions under pressure
  • Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment
  • Advanced degree in engineering or operations management
  • Familiarity with solar cell production processes and associated chemical/gas requirements (i.e. pyrophoric gases, toxic chemicals, wastewater treatment)
  • Expertise in SCADA systems, PLC programming, or industrial automation for facilities control
  • Six Sigma or similar certification in process improvement
  • Experience with environmental permitting, auditing, and sustainability initiatives in a factory setting

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Ability to travel internationally (20%)
  • Physical effort including standing, lifting up to 25 pounds, and maneuvering around equipment in a factory setting

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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

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