Manufacturing Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

The role

You will own production processes and equipment to turn development hardware into full-rate manufacturing for solar cells. You will drive the line from early process concept through commissioning, qualification, and sustained production.

What you will do

• Design, commission, and qualify production processes and equipment for solar cell manufacturing
• Lead the production ramp to hit volume, yield, and cost targets
• Drive yield, uptime, and rate improvements to hit program targets
• Lead prototype and engineering builds
• Provide feedback to design and process teams to improve design for manufacturability
• Collaborate with equipment engineering, supply chain, production technicians, and quality
• Identify and establish requirements for automation opportunities
• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training
• Drive corrective actions, root cause analysis, and process improvements
• Use process and equipment data to find bottlenecks and cut scrap

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience designing, building, manufacturing, or testing hardware
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department

Nice to have

• 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)
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization
• 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
• Strong problem-solving abilities, including root cause analysis and experience with FMEA
• Experience with quality systems, statistical process control (SPC), and process capability
• Exposure to production machinery, industrial sensors, and automation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment
• Working knowledge of factory safety practices

About the company

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. They are deploying Starlink, a large satellite constellation providing broadband internet.