SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer, Silicon Crystal Growth (Starlink)

SpaceX • $110K — $130K *
Bastrop, TX 78602In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a STEM field.
  • 5+ years of experience in semiconductor crystal growth manufacturing, research, or characterization.
  • Master's degree or PhD in relevant fields preferred.
  • 8+ years of professional experience in photovoltaics or semiconductor sectors preferred.
  • Expertise in CZ crystal growth fundamentals and process improvements.

Responsibilities

  • Own the complete lifecycle of equipment specification and process development for silicon ingot and wafer production.
  • Specify and implement metrology tools for quality control throughout the production process.
  • Establish and conduct testing to meet quality specifications for silicon ingots and wafers.
  • Lead investigations to identify and resolve process issues affecting production.
  • Push the limits of material and crystal growth processes to enhance photovoltaic efficiency.
  • Collaborate with leadership to transition R&D developments into large-scale production.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development in a fast-paced environment.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technology in satellite communications.
  • Potential for cross-functional collaboration with diverse teams.
  • Flexible work requirements, including extended hours and travel opportunities.
Full Job Description
SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, SILICON CRYSTAL GROWTH (STARLINK)

Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low-latency broadband internet worldwide. We are committed to offering access to high-speed internet to customers and are looking for a Materials Engineer to utilize their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve materials and processing challenges in silicon crystal growth and wafer production for Starlink solar cells.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development for silicon ingot and wafer production.
  • Specify and implement in-process and off-line metrology tools for quality control.
  • Develop silicon ingot and wafer quality specifications; conduct testing and performance evaluation to ensure specifications are met.
  • Lead root cause failure investigations to resolve process issues.
  • Push material and crystal growth process limits to enable higher PV efficiency.
  • Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to drive scale-up plans from R&D to production of silicon ingots and wafers.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a STEM field.
  • 5+ years of experience in semiconductor crystal growth manufacturing, research, or characterization.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of professional work experience (photovoltaics, semiconductor, or crystal growth sectors preferred).
  • Expertise in CZ crystal growth fundamentals, including thermal management, impurity control, and defect mitigation.
  • In-depth knowledge of polysilicon feedstock, dopants, crucible materials, and their impact on ingot quality and yield.
  • Proficiency in silicon ingot/wafer characterization techniques and equipment, including ICP-MS, GDMS, XRT, SEM/TEM, FTIR, resistivity mapping, and minority carrier lifetime testing (PL).
  • Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and manufacturing metrics (e.g., CPK, yield, OEE) in production environments.
  • Demonstrated track record in developing new processes, improving efficiencies (e.g., pull rates, purity >9N), and successfully transferring to production in a rapidly growing, fast-paced environment.
  • Proven cross-functional leadership skills, with experience aligning diverse teams to achieve shared technology goals.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
  • Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces.


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.
Learn more about SpaceX
Size
8,000 employees
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
2002
* Ladders Estimates

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