Mechanical Engineer, Solar Cell Factory; Starlink

Overview

Mechanical Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink) – Bastrop, TX

Space

X was founded to enable human life on Mars. The Solar Cell team is scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support 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, robust mechanical systems, and ownership of existing systems for optimization along with development of new equipment, all while minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency in our solar cell factory.

• 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 and performance; oversee installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance of vendor-supplied process equipment to ensure target rate, yield, and uptime

• 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 applicable)

• 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)
• Strong understanding of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Experience owning a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability
• Exposure to various 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 verbal communication skills

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, or eligible for required authorizations. ITAR notice included as applicable.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

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We do not discriminate on the basis of protected status under applicable law, and we provide equal employment opportunities.

Disability-related questions and categories are provided for reporting purposes. Examples of disabilities and related categories are listed for awareness, not for selection purposes.