Manager, Solar Cell Factory Maintenance (Starlink)

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.

At SpaceX, we are building the future of sustainable space exploration and global connectivity, including advanced solar technologies to power our satellite constellations and ground infrastructure. As the Manager of Maintenance for the Solar Cell Factory, you will lead a team responsible for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of high-volume solar cell production equipment, enabling high-performance solar arrays for Starlink, Starship, Mars and beyond. If you are passionate about cutting-edge manufacturing and optimizing factory operations to support humanity's multi-planetary future, we'd love to have you join our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create, grow, and lead a team of maintenance technicians and engineers in the day-to-day operations of a high-volume 24/7 solar cell factory, focusing on preventative, planned, and corrective maintenance


• Develop and implement maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and maximize equipment uptime, targeting >95% availability for critical production lines


• Oversee troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex failures in vacuum deposition, chemical, automation, and other specialized manufacturing systems


• Collaborate with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to integrate maintenance schedules with factory output goals, ensuring seamless production


• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and vendor relationships for tooling and components, optimizing costs while maintaining quality standards


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support the factory goals


• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and ISO standards in a high-volume cleanroom environment


• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability to support SpaceX's rapid iteration cycle

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in and engineering discipline OR 5+ years’ experience leading a team in a production environment


• 5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance or factory operations, with at least 2 years managing teams in a semiconductor, solar PV, or advanced manufacturing setting


• Hands-on experience with maintenance of solar cell equipment or thin-film deposition tools (e.g., PECVD, sputtering systems)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree in engineering or related field


• Strong knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems in automated production environments


• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and execute under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes manufacturing operation.


• Proficiency in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and data analytics tools for equipment reliability


• Experience with solar cell-specific processes in a production environment, inclusive of pyrophoric and toxic gas and chemical systems


• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) methodologies


• Knowledge of cleanroom protocols and ESD-safe practices in solar or semiconductor fabs


• Experience scaling maintenance operations in a high-growth manufacturing environment, ideally in renewable energy or aerospace

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel internationally (20%)


• Physical effort including standing (up to 6 hours) and ability lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted


• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position


• Work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, confined spaces


• Must be willing to work all shifts, extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, 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 a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].