Manager, Machine Maintenance - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

The role

This person will lead the maintenance organization for a solar cell manufacturing facility. They will manage a team of technicians and engineers to ensure the reliability of advanced production equipment and automation systems.

What you will do

• Lead and develop a team of maintenance technicians and engineers
• Develop and execute maintenance strategies including preventative, predictive, and corrective programs
• Oversee troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for complex systems
• Partner with Production and Facility Operations teams
• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and vendor relationships
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, cleanroom standards, and regulatory requirements
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline; OR 5+ years of experience leading industrial maintenance teams
• 3+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/operations environment
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership position
• Ability to travel internationally (20%)
• Ability to stand up to 6 hours
• Lift up to 25 pounds unassisted
• Maneuver around equipment in a factory setting
• Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces

Nice to have

• 8+ years of prior experience with semiconductor, solar, advanced automation, or other equipment maintenance and reliability programs
• Proven track record leading cross-functional teams in high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environments under tight deadlines
• Hands-on experience maintaining solar cell production equipment, including thin-film deposition tools (PECVD, sputtering systems, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems in highly automated production environments
• Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and data analytics tools for equipment reliability
• Strong familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, total productive maintenance, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to scale maintenance programs in high-growth manufacturing environments, ideally in renewable energy aerospace
• Deep understanding of cleanroom protocols and safe handling of pyrophoric and toxic gas systems during maintenance
• Ability to lead and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality and safety

Before you apply

• 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 eligibl

About the company

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The company is building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit.