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SpaceX · 1 week ago

Manager, Solar Cell Facilities Engineering (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

SpaceX is actively developing technologies for sustainable space exploration and global connectivity, including advanced solar technologies. The Manager of Solar Cell Facilities Engineering will lead a team responsible for designing critical gas and chemical systems for a solar cell assembly line that supports various SpaceX initiatives.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

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

Qualification

Facilities design engineeringGasChemical systemsProject managementCAD softwareEHS regulationsAdvanced manufacturing experienceCleanroom-compatible systemsSustainable design practicesFluid dynamics simulationLeadership

Required

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

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

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

Preferred

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