SpaceX
Mechanical Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing systems for high-efficiency solar cells used in Starlink and launch vehicles. You will oversee equipment from concept through production ramp, handle automation systems and material handling, and drive continuous improvement in factory uptime and performance.
What you'll do
- Own solar cell manufacturing equipment and subsystems from design through high-volume production
- Develop design criteria, requirements, and drive system-level optimization for manufacturing lines
- Perform FMEA, reliability modeling, and stress testing to predict failures and improve equipment effectiveness
- Design robot end effectors, process controls, and automation programming for production lines
- Monitor equipment uptime metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement preventive maintenance strategies
- Evaluate suppliers, oversee equipment installation and commissioning to meet rate, yield, and uptime targets
What they're looking for
- CAD and FEA software (NX preferred)
- Mechanical and electromechanical design and analysis
- GD&T and structural analysis
- Design for manufacturability
- Failure modes analysis (FMEA)
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Production equipment and sensor knowledge
- Project leadership and technical communication
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Walk us through a complex mechanical system you owned from initial design to production ramp—what challenges did you face and how did you solve them?
- Describe your experience with FMEA and reliability modeling. How have you used these tools to prevent failures in manufacturing equipment?