Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

About the role

SpaceX is seeking a technical leader to join the Starlink team in Bastrop, TX. You will drive material and process innovations for semiconductor devices, solar cell development, and electronic packaging to support our global satellite constellation. In this capacity, you will own the definition and execution of materials strategies that directly impact product performance and manufacturability. The position requires a deep understanding of how material choices propagate through fabrication, testing, and deployment environments. You will act as a critical interface between theoretical material science and the pragmatic realities of production scaling. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to deliver robust processes that enhance yield and reliability. You will be responsible for translating high-level product requirements into concrete material specifications and validation plans. This role is integral to maintaining the performance and durability standards expected across SpaceX hardware initiatives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead CVD recipe development and fabrication processes to increase solar cell efficiency.
• Manage the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development.
• Establish supply chains for wafers, chemicals, and gases while defining material acceptance criteria.
• Solve technical challenges in panel-level packaging and develop next-generation dielectric materials.
• Implement in-process metrology and design wafer-level test structures for quality control.
• Integrate simulation data with experimental results to improve material performance.
• Coordinate with design, production, and reliability teams to align R&D with product roadmaps.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance for all materials and processes.
• Provide mentorship and technical oversight to junior engineering staff.
• Define failure analysis methodologies for electronic materials to identify root causes.
• Develop and execute characterization plans to support new material introductions.
• Optimize deposition and etching processes to meet stringent electrical and mechanical targets.
• Collaborate with external vendors to qualify new materials and ensure contractual compliance.
• Document all procedures and results to maintain comprehensive technical records.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in materials science, electrical engineering, or a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in microelectronics manufacturing or research.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends when necessary.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Ability to work in environments with noise, fumes, and odors, including occasional confined spaces.
• Capability to lift and handle equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Must pass a background check and meet all SpaceX employment eligibility criteria.

Nice to have

• Master degree or PhD in materials science, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Background in semiconductor device physics with hands-on experience in CVD and PVD.
• Expertise in electrical testing methods such as IV, CV, Hall effect, and TLM.
• Proficiency in optical characterization, including ellipsometry, UV-VIS-IR spectroscopy, PL, EL, and QSSPC.
• Experience with analytical techniques like SEM/EDS, Raman, XRD, AFM, XPS, SIMS, FTIR, DMA, and DSC.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor staff.

Practical notes

• SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations or access to the Affirmative Action Plan should contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
• This role is based in Bastrop, Texas, and requires physical presence at the work site.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time may include domestic travel for meetings, conferences, or supplier visits.
• The position may require extended work hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project milestones or respond to critical issues.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship for employment authorization.
• All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of background checks and verification of credentials.
• Safety is a core value; adherence to strict safety protocols is mandatory in all work environments.
• This role operates within the framework of U.S. export control regulations, specifically ITAR, which governs the handling of sensitive technology.
• The responsibilities outlined in this description are intended to illustrate the general nature and level of work performed and are not exhaustive. They are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties for this role.