Manager, Facilities Operations - Solar Cell Factory; Starlink

Manager, Facilities Operations – Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX is building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large‑scale AI data centers in orbit. This role leads the central utility plant, infrastructure systems, and site services that enable high‑volume solar cell production. It offers the opportunity to build and shape the organization from the ground up while directly enabling SpaceX’s vision for AI data centers in space.

• Lead daily operations of the central utility plant, gas farm, chemical systems, and wastewater treatment infrastructure that enable 24/7 solar cell manufacturing.
• Oversee high‑purity gas and chemical procurement, storage, distribution, and delivery systems while minimizing waste and ensuring uninterrupted supply to production lines.
• Manage critical building and environmental systems (HVAC, power distribution, plumbing, and exhaust) to maintain precise cleanroom conditions required for space‑grade solar cells.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules, operational procedures, safety training, and emergency response plans to guarantee facility uptime and risk mitigation.
• Lead and develop a team of facility technicians and operators, providing coaching and performance management in a high‑reliability environment.
• Collaborate with Production, Machine Maintenance, and EHS teams to troubleshoot issues, integrate new processes, and support factory expansion.
• Track and optimize key performance metrics including system uptime, utility costs, environmental compliance, and impact on production yield.
• Drive sustainable operations and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and local codes) while continuously improving cost efficiency and infrastructure reliability.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation to enable SpaceX’s vision for AI data centers in space.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline; or 5+ years of experience leading facilities/utilities operations.
• 3+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/operations environment.
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership position.
• Experience managing central utility plants, gas/chemical systems, and/or general facilities.

• Strong knowledge of central utility plants, gas farms, chemical distribution, and building systems (HVAC, electrical, pneumatic).
• Experience with environmental permitting, auditing, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance in a factory setting.
• Experience with solar cell production support systems, including pyrophoric gases, toxic chemicals, and wastewater treatment.
• Expertise in SCADA systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation for facility and utility control.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or similar process improvement methodologies applied to facility operations.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex infrastructure in high‑stakes, high‑growth manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success working in dynamic environments with strict safety, environmental, and operational 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 willing to work all shifts, extended hours, and weekends as needed.
• To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (see ITAR).

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

Applicants wishing to view SpaceX’s affirmative action plan or who require reasonable accommodation during the application/interview process should contact

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (ITAR).