SpaceX Sr. Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX leads production processes and equipment commissioning for solar cell manufacturing supporting Starlink satellites. The role drives production ramp, yield improvements, and process stability.
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
Qualification
5+ years of experience designingProficiency in CAD software (eProgramming and automation skillsStrong problem-solving abilitiesExperience with quality systemsExposure to production machinery
Required
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
5+ years of experience designing, building, manufacturing, or testing hardware (internship experience is applicable)
Preferred
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)
