Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or related engineering field.
5+ years of experience in facilities engineering or sustaining engineering in a manufacturing setting.
Experience with cleanroom facility systems, ultrapure water, and process utility systems is preferred.
Knowledge of safety systems related to high-pressure and flammable gases.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and schematics.
Responsibilities
Oversee maintenance and improvement of facility systems for solar cell manufacturing.
Collaborate with teams to maintain peak operational conditions and develop preventative maintenance instructions.
Optimize utility systems for various manufacturing processes.
Perform failure analysis and implement corrective actions for facility issues.
Ensure compliance with industry and safety standards in all work.
Present system performance statuses to leadership and customers.
Manage work tickets and additional responsibilities as they arise.
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge solar cell manufacturing technologies.
Possibility to shape organizational practices from the ground up.
Work with a mission-driven team at the forefront of space technology.
Engagement with high-impact projects supporting AI data centers in space.
Full Job Description
SR. FACILITIES ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)
At SpaceX, we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high-efficiency solar power to support intensive computing workloads in space. To make this possible, we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. We are seeking a Sr. Facilities Engineer to oversee the maintenance, performance, and continuous improvement of facility systems (power, ultrapure water, exhaust, bulk gases) that support high-volume solar cell manufacturing. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to build and shape the organization from the ground up while directly enabling SpaceX's ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee the maintenance, performance, and continuous improvement of facility systems including power distribution, ultrapure water, exhaust systems (acidic, caustic, harmful gas, VOC, and general heat), bulk gases, chilled water, and process cooling systems that support high-volume solar cell manufacturing
Collaborate with engineers, technicians, production teams, and leadership to maintain systems in peak operating condition and develop detailed work instructions for preventative maintenance to ensure zero unplanned interruptions
Monitor and optimize utility systems supporting wet chemistry texturing, PECVD, PVD, metallization, and cleaning processes
Perform failure assessments, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions for facility systems
Ensure work and materials comply with manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and all applicable safety, environmental, and building regulations
Read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, OEM manuals, and construction drawings for assembly, repair, and optimization
Present equipment and system performance statuses to internal customers and leadership
Track and resolve electronic work tickets, manage priorities with minimal guidance, and take on additional responsibilities as needed
Drive continuous improvement initiatives for reliability, uptime, yield, and cost in a high-volume production environment
Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other equipment as required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or related engineering discipline
5+ years of professional experience in facilities engineering or sustaining engineering for a manufacturing environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
7+ years of experience with cleanroom facility systems, ultrapure water, exhaust abatement, bulk gas delivery, and/or process utility systems supporting semiconductor or solar manufacturing
Knowledge of high-pressure gases, flammable gases, hazardous chemicals, and associated safety systems
Proficiency reading and interpreting P&IDs, schematics, and technical drawings
Experience with continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and implementing preventative maintenance programs
Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls systems down to the component level
Familiarity with commercial building codes, OSHA, EPA, and NFPA standards
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment balancing multiple projects
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and computerized maintenance management systems
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to travel internationally (20%)
Ability to stand up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and maneuver around equipment in a factory setting
Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces
Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
About SpaceX
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
