Materials Engineer, Thin Films at SpaceX
- In Bastrop, TX.
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. MATERIALS ENGINEER, THIN FILMS Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation to deliver fast, reliable internet to people who need it most—and powering that constellation starts on the factory floor. We are insourcing solar cell manufacturing end-to-end, from crystal growth and ingot production through wafering and cell fabrication, to drive performance, cost, and scale at every step. High-efficiency, high-reliability cells made in-house are the backbone of the Starlink network: more photons in means more data out to customers around the world. As a Materials Engineer for thin films, you will partner with solar cell process engineering on PECVD-deposited films used in insourced cell manufacturing. You will characterize films, connect deposition conditions to material properties, support qualifications, and help lock in durable improvements to cell performance, yield, and cost. You will work problems of moderate to high complexity with guidance from more senior engineers and bring well-framed problems and proposed solutions to the team. If you are passionate about solving hard problems, anchor your engineering judgment with first-principles thinking, and are relentless about acting with urgency, this role is for you. RESPONSIBILITIES: Partner with solar cell process engineering on PECVD thin films (e.g., passivation, anti-reflection, and related dielectric or semiconductor layers), supporting materials characterization, film-property understanding, and production readiness Execute materials characterization and analysis of plasma-deposited films; correlate process conditions with thickness, refractive index, composition, lifetime, uniformity, and cell electrical/optical performance, and recommend next steps Build proficiency with thin-film materials, PECVD-relevant vacuum and plasma concepts, and lab/metrology methods; consult with senior engineers on higher-impact decisions while independently completing straightforward materials work Support DOEs and process trials: define materials measurements, collect high-quality data, and help interpret results with process engineering Support root cause analysis for film, interface, contamination, and yield issues: design experiments, execute failure analysis with characterization partners, and drive assigned corrective actions to completion with no loose ends Help define film material requirements, specifications, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria in partnership with process, quality, and production engineering Document materials results, specifications, and best practices; communicate status, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and, with support as needed, to leadership Identify opportunities to improve film materials performance, yield, cost, and manufacturability; raise issues early with proposed solutions rather than problems alone Support qualification of precursors, consumables, and film stacks, and production troubleshooting on the manufacturing floor; follow through until work is complete and understood Champion a culture of safety and quality in all vacuum, plasma, chemical/gas handling, lab, and production support activities BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a STEM discipline 1+ years of professional experience with thin films, PECVD or vacuum-deposited coatings, or semiconductor/PV materials PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a STEM discipline Hands-on experience with PECVD-deposited films in semiconductor or solar cell manufacturing Experience working closely …