Sr. Wet Process Equipment Engineer, Solar Cells

About the role

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. Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to those that need it most. We design, build, and launch the world's largest and most advanced satellite constellation that is capable of delivering high-speed internet to even the most remote locations. As a Sr. Wet Process Equipment Engineer you will own the chemical processing equipment (wet chemical texturing tools, wet chemical preclean tools) used to manufacture silicon heterojunction solar cells at massive scale. You will work closely with our existing Texturing Process Engineering team to ensure world-class equipment performance, reliability, and uptime. While the process team focuses on surface morphology, light trapping, and cell efficiency, you will be the hardware owner responsible for tool availability, stability, and scaling to support our ambitious goals. Your work will form the backbone of the Starlink network (photons of sunlight in is directly proportional to photons of data out to customers!) and help provide internet to tens of millions of customers all around the world. You will spearhead state of the art production equipment for an internal solar cell production line, providing high efficiency and high-quality solar cells for both our latest generation Starlink satellites and for Starship missions to the Moon and Mars.

Key facts

What you'll do

Drive the installation, qualification, and continuous improvement of high-throughput wet chemical texturing and preclean equipment for silicon heterojunction solar cell manufacturing.

Champion process control strategies that minimize tool-to-tool variation and maximize throughput, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness in a high-volume production environment.

Execute experiments and data analysis to identify root causes of defects, yield losses, and performance drift across wet process modules.

Collaborate with process engineers to define and validate critical process windows for texturing and cleaning while safeguarding tool integrity and safety.

Own the end-to-end hardware lifecycle for wet process tools, including specification development, vendor coordination, installation, testing, and preventative maintenance programs.

Implement robust monitoring and diagnostic techniques to predict equipment failures and reduce unplanned downtime across multiple production lines.

Standardize tool documentation, work instructions, and change control procedures to ensure consistency, traceability, and seamless knowledge transfer.

Partner with automation and controls engineers to optimize sequence logic, chemical dosing, and safety interlocks for improved tool stability and scalability.

Support rapid scaling efforts by translating laboratory-scale processes into high-volume manufacturing solutions that meet cost, quality, and reliability targets.

Lead cross-functional troubleshooting efforts with immediate responsiveness to minimize production interruptions and sustain aggressive delivery commitments.

Apply first principles thinking to evaluate new tool technologies and process modifications that enhance cell yield, throughput, and manufacturability.

Ensure strict adherence to environmental, health, and safety regulations governing chemical handling, waste management, and equipment operation.

Act as the primary technical interface for internal stakeholders and external suppliers regarding wet process equipment performance and reliability issues.

Drive the implementation of data-driven metrics and continuous improvement initiatives to advance tool capability and production scalability.

Champion a culture of safety, ownership, and operational excellence in all aspects of wet process equipment management and execution.

Requirements

Demonstrate a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or possess equivalent practical experience.

Bring a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in wet process engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, or solar cell process development.

Show a proven track record of managing complex wet process equipment from installation through high-volume production.

Exhibit deep knowledge of chemical handling, process safety, and regulatory compliance for hazardous materials in a manufacturing setting.

Possess strong expertise in troubleshooting, data analysis, and root cause investigation for high-throughput production equipment.

Have hands-on experience with silicon solar cell manufacturing processes, particularly texturing, cleaning, and surface passivation techniques.

Display excellent collaboration and communication skills while working closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Commit to working onsite in Bastrop, Texas, with the ability to support flexible shifts, including evenings, nights, and weekends as required for production continuity.

Meet all employment eligibility requirements to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position.

Be comfortable operating in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment where priorities can shift quickly to meet mission-critical objectives.

Nice to have

Experience with photovoltaic manufacturing processes, especially silicon heterojunction or similar thin-film technologies.

Background in statistical process control, design of experiments, and advanced data analysis for process optimization.

Familiarity with automation platforms, PLC programming, and equipment control systems used in high-volume manufacturing.

Knowledge of quality management systems, such as ISO standards, and experience with continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.

Experience leading large-scale equipment installations, factory acceptance tests, and supplier technical negotiations.

Practical notes

This role operates onsite in Bastrop, Texas.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Shift availability may include nights, weekends, and holidays to maintain production uptime.

Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

Employment is at will.