Posted by employer 5 months ago
First seen on Joblaze 5 months ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Skills & Technologies
Requirements
- Experience
- 4+ years
- Education
- High school
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Joblaze summary
The Manufacturing Specialist for Solar Cells at SpaceX plays a crucial role in operating complex production equipment and ensuring efficient manufacturing processes for solar cells used in orbital AI data centers. This position requires expertise in high-volume manufacturing, particularly with semiconductor or solar technologies, and involves troubleshooting, process optimization, and mentoring junior staff. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in manufacturing operations and a strong background in process improvement methodologies. The role is integral to SpaceX's mission of advancing space infrastructure.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about 5 months ago — first seen on Joblaze May 1, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
- Manufacturing appears in 1.8% of 3012 comparable mid other roles in United States; solar appears in 0.2% of 3012 comparable mid other roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Manufacturing Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink) role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Bastrop, TX.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 4 years of relevant experience for this Manufacturing Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink) role.
- Where is the role based?
- SpaceX is hiring for this position in Bastrop, TX.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Six Sigma, solar.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Manufacturing Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink) role at SpaceX.
From the original posting
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MANUFACTURING SPECIALIST, SOLAR CELLS (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 highly skilled Manufacturing Specialist to operate multiple complex process stations and support process improvements. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence while enabling SpaceX’s ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Operate multiple complex process stations including diffusion furnaces, PECVD, screen printers, firing furnaces, and related solar cell production tools
- Perform minor troubleshooting and rapid corrective actions to maintain production flow
- Support process improvements, yield optimization, and OEE enhancements through data-driven initiatives
- Maintain accurate production records, inventory logs, and quality documentation
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols, cleanroom standards, and regulatory compliance during operations
- Support the development of training materials for team members on equipment operation, safety protocols, and process procedures
- Train and mentor junior team members on equipment operation, safety, and best practices
- Contribute to factory scaling efforts and foster technical excellence and accountability on the production floor
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED
- 4+ years of experience in manufacturing/production operations
- 3+ years of experience operating complex manufacturing equipment in a high-volume environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate’s degree or equivalent technical certification
- Prior experience with semiconductor, solar, or advanced manufacturing processes
- Experience operating and navigating Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) on automated production equipment
- Experience with real-time process monitoring, parameter adjustments, alarm response, and basic troubleshooting in a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, cleanroom protocols, and process data analytics
- Experience in process troubleshooting, improvements, and training in fast-paced environments
- Proven track record supporting high-volume production scaling
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 for one of the following AWS shifts (start and end times are approximate):
- A Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Wednesday
- B Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.