SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Solar Cell Factory

Manufacturing EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeBastrop, TX, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required.
Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) software packages is required.
At least 5 years of professional experience with mechanical or electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing is required.
The role requires the ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities

Own electronics manufacturing subsystems and equipment from conceptual design through high-volume production and automation ramp.
Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization.
Test and iterate on products by performing failure modes and effects analysis, reliability modeling, and stress testing to predict and mitigate potential failures and drive overall equipment effectiveness.
Design and develop production lines that manufacture the product, including robot end-effector design, process development, control-system design, and automation programming.
Monitor and track equipment uptime metrics using data analytics tools; identify bottlenecks and causes of downtime; and implement preventive measures such as predictive maintenance schedules to maximize operational availability.
Evaluate and select equipment suppliers based on reliability, performance requirements, and core business needs; oversee installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance of vendor-supplied process equipment to ensure target rate, yield, and uptime are achieved.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
At least 8 years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis is preferred.
At least 7 years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead, is preferred.
Proficiency in 3D computer-aided design (CAD), with NX preferred.
A solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability.
Exposure to production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment such as motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, and die casters.

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.

SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)

The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Mechanical Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize mechanical and automation systems for the production of solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe electrical design, designing robust and efficient mechanical systems, and taking on total ownership of existing systems for optimization in addition to development of novel equipment, all while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own electronics manufacturing subsystems and equipment from conceptual design through high-volume production and automation ramp
Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
Test and iterate on products by performing failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability modeling, and stress testing to predict and mitigate potential failures and drive high overall equipment effectiveness
Design and develop the production lines that manufacture your product, including robot end effector design, process development, control system design, automation programming, and more
Uptime Optimization: Monitor and track equipment uptime metrics using data analytics tools; identify bottlenecks, downtime causes, and implement preventive measures such as predictive maintenance schedules to maximize operational availability
Evaluate and select equipment suppliers based on reliability, performance requirements and core business needs; oversee installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance of vendor-supplied process equipment to ensure target rate, yield and uptime is achieved

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
5+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
7+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

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 [email protected].

About the Company

SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

SpaceX builds and launches reusable rockets and spacecraft for NASA, the military, and companies, and it runs Starlink, a satellite internet service for homes and businesses. In 2020, its Dragon capsule became the first privately built spacecraft to carry astronauts to the International Space Station. Its Falcon 9 rocket lands its first stage so the booster can fly again, which cuts launch costs, while Starlink beams internet from low-orbit satellites to small dishes for a monthly fee. SpaceX also owns xAI, maker of the Grok chatbot and owner of the social network X, and is building Starship, a fully reusable rocket meant to carry people to the Moon and Mars. Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, and it is based in Starbase, Texas.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Starbase, Texas
Founded: 2002

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