1+ years of professional experience in mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, or manufacturing (internship experience counts)
Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline (preferred)
3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis (preferred)
Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
Responsibilities
Own electronics manufacturing subsystems from design to production
Develop design criteria and drive system-level optimization
Perform FMEA, reliability modeling, and stress testing to mitigate potential failures
Design production lines, including robot end effector and automation programming
Monitor equipment uptime metrics and implement preventive measures
Evaluate and select equipment suppliers and oversee installation
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge solar technology
Collaborative environment focused on innovation
Potential for career growth in a rapidly evolving field
Hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems
Engagement in sustainable energy solutions
Full Job Description
TOOLING DESIGN ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)
The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Mechanical Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize mechanical and automation systems for the production of solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe electrical design, designing robust and efficient mechanical systems, and taking on total ownership of existing systems for optimization in addition to development of novel equipment, all while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Own electronics manufacturing subsystems and equipment from conceptual design through high-volume production and automation ramp
Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
Test and iterate on products by performing failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability modeling, and stress testing to predict and mitigate potential failures and drive high overall equipment effectiveness
Design and develop the production lines that manufacture your product, including robot end effector design, process development, control system design, automation programming, and more
Uptime Optimization: Monitor and track equipment uptime metrics using data analytics tools; identify bottlenecks, downtime causes, and implement preventive measures such as predictive maintenance schedules to maximize operational availability
Evaluate and select equipment suppliers based on reliability, performance requirements and core business needs; oversee installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance of vendor-supplied process equipment to ensure target rate, yield and uptime is achieved
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
1+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
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.
