Manufacturing Engineer, Solar Cells - Solar Cell Factory, Starlink

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system — thousands of satellites, ground station gateways, and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact, and we are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

The Solar Cell team is scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells that power Starlink satellites, launch vehicles, and beyond. These cells have to be high-performance, low-cost, and ultra-reliable, and the factory that builds them has to ramp quickly without giving up yield. As a manufacturing engineer for solar cells, you will own the production processes and equipment that turn development hardware into full-rate manufacturing. You will drive the line from early process concept through commissioning, qualification, and sustained production, and you will be the link between engineering development and the factory floor. Come join this high-performing team and build the factory behind the world’s largest satellite constellation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, commission, and qualify production processes and equipment for solar cell manufacturing, from pilot builds through full-rate production
• Lead the production ramp by working through multi-disciplinary issues to hit volume, yield, and cost targets
• Drive yield, uptime, and rate improvements to hit program targets (OEE)
• Lead prototype and engineering builds, ensuring incremental milestones for production development are met
• Provide feedback to the design and process teams to improve design for manufacturability and process robustness
• Collaborate with equipment engineering, supply chain, production technicians, and quality to keep processes stable and solve production problems quickly
• Identify and establish requirements for automation opportunities, and evaluate them for return on investment
• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training for owned processes
• Drive corrective actions, root cause analysis, and process improvements on owned processes and products
• Use process and equipment data to find bottlenecks, cut scrap, and put preventive actions in place that protect rate and yield

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience designing, building, manufacturing, or testing hardware (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience in high-volume or medium-volume manufacturing environments such as solar, semiconductor, consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial equipment
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks) for design and modeling of manufacturing tools, fixtures, and process equipment
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization to support rapid iteration and high-volume production
• Familiarity with electronics or solar cell manufacturing processes, cleanroom operations, and handling of fragile substrates and process materials
• Programming and automation skills, such as Python, MATLAB, or PLC programming, for factory automation, data analysis, and yield improvement
• Strong problem-solving abilities, including root cause analysis (e.g., 8D or fishbone diagrams) and experience with failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
• Experience with quality systems, statistical process control (SPC), and process capability to hold yield and reliability in high-volume production
• Exposure to production machinery, industrial sensors, and automation (motion systems, dispense, metrology, temperature control, robotics, and similar equipment)
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment with cross-functional collaboration across design, equipment, supply chain, test, and production
• Working knowledge of factory safety practices, including chemical and cleanroom hazards common to electronics and solar manufacturing
• Excellent communication skills for documenting processes, presenting data, and training production teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted