Manager, Solar Cell Facilities Engineering (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 ENGINEERING (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 Design, you will lead a team responsible for designing the critical gas and chemical systems supporting a high-volume solar cell assembly line supplying Starlink, Starship, Mars and beyond. If you are passionate about cutting-edge manufacturing and optimizing factory operations to support humanity's multi-planetary future, we'd love to have you join our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the design and engineering of complex gas and chemical distribution systems, including gas farms (bulk and specialty gases), air separation units, piping networks, and abatement systems, optimized for solar cell fabrication processes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including process engineers, manufacturing leads, and safety experts, to integrate facility designs with production workflows and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards.
  • Develop and iterate on system architectures for highly modular and cost-effective scalability of factories and production ramps.
  • Conduct risk assessments, simulations, and prototyping to mitigate hazards associated with pyrophoric and toxic fluids and high-pressure operations.
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships for facility design initiatives, from conceptual design through implementation and commissioning.
  • Stay abreast of industry advancements in semiconductor and solar manufacturing facilities to incorporate best practices and emerging technologies into SpaceX's solar cell infrastructure.
  • Mentor and build a fast-paced, high-performing team of engineers while fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in facilities design or engineering and at least 2+ years of experience leading a team
  • Experience with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and simulation tools for fluid dynamics and system modeling.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in chemical or mechanical engineering.
  • Strong understanding of EHS regulations, process safety management (PSM), and standards such as NFPA, ASME, and SEMI for handling hazardous materials.
  • Facilities design experience with a focus on gas and chemical systems for high-tech manufacturing environments (e.g., semiconductor, solar, or pharmaceutical industries)
  • 7+ years in facilities engineering for advanced manufacturing, ideally in solar PV or semiconductor fabs designing pyrophoric and highly toxic systems
  • Hands-on experience with cleanroom-compatible gas and chemical systems, including experience with gases like silane, ammonia, or dopants used in solar cells.
  • Excellent project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex engineering projects on time and within budget.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and thrive in ambiguity.
  • Knowledge of sustainable design practices, such as energy-efficient abatement and waste minimization in chemical systems.
  • Proficiency in tools like EPIC for piping design or ANSYS for thermal/fluid simulations.
  • Prior leadership experience managing engineering teams in a production 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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