Process Engineer, Industrial Water Treatment

About the role

SpaceX is at the forefront of developing high-capacity solar cell production facilities aimed at supporting orbital artificial intelligence data centers and the Starlink satellite network. This position is centered on the design, commissioning, and management of ultrapure water and wastewater treatment systems essential for these manufacturing operations. You will oversee the technical framework necessary to ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality water processes that are critical for large-scale production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Spearhead the construction, commissioning, and ongoing operations of a commercial ultrapure water treatment facility.
• Design and implement mechanical and fluid systems that adhere to both internal standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Examine data streams, lab results, and operator insights to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of the plant.
• Develop and uphold operational protocols, maintenance schedules for equipment, and process methodologies.
• Collaborate with various internal teams such as Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), facilities management, and manufacturing, as well as liaise with external vendors and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee project budgets, timelines, and conduct cost-benefit analyses for new process implementations.
• Monitor the status of the area and communicate any technical risks to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices throughout all phases of project execution.
• Facilitate training and mentorship for junior engineers and operators to enhance team capabilities.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement within the water treatment processes.
• Engage in troubleshooting and problem-solving activities to address operational challenges effectively.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management on project status and performance metrics.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or mathematics is required.
• At least one year of experience in a manufacturing environment or with mechanical, electromechanical, or fluid systems, which may include internships or project team involvement.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and best practices in industrial settings.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey technical information.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while managing multiple priorities.

Nice to have

• Over three years of project experience specifically related to wastewater treatment processes.
• Proficiency in engineering units relevant to power, flow, pressure, and temperature measurements.
• Capability to read and interpret Bill of Materials (BOMs), construction drawings, and both 3D and 2D CAD designs, as well as Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) or Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs).
• Experience in mechanical repairs, including the disassembly and reassembly of industrial machinery and the replacement of components such as gears and bearings.
• Knowledge of hot work permitting, job hazard analysis, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Background in lean manufacturing practices and methodologies.
• Experience in transitioning products from research and development phases into full-scale production environments.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in industrial water treatment systems and their operational requirements.
• Proficient in the design of mechanical and fluid systems.
• Familiarity with creating and interpreting Process P&IDs and PFDs.
• Competence in using CAD software for system design and layout.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

Practical notes

• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees to comply with ITAR regulations.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends, as required by operational needs.
• Physical demands of the role include the ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, work outdoors using hand tools, and perform tasks that may involve climbing, standing for extended periods, bending, and reaching overhead.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to projects at SpaceX, where innovation and excellence are at the core of our mission. If you are about engineering and eager to make a significant impact in the field of industrial water treatment, we encourage you to apply.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.