Materials Engineer (Starlink)

About the role

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, you will own the critical consumables that keep our ingot, wafer, and solar cell manufacturing lines running. You will take end-to-end ownership of materials used in production-partnering with supply chain on sourcing, driving material qualification, and handing off proven materials into high-volume manufacturing.

We are looking for a general Materials Engineer who is excited about metals, polymers, crystals, and process consumables; solar experience is a plus, not a requirement. 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

• Own consumable materials used across ingot, wafer, and/or solar cell manufacturing lines-from initial sourcing and technical evaluation through qualification, production hand-off, and ongoing support.
• Partner closely with supply chain to identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for critical process materials.
• Define material requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteria in collaboration with process, quality, and production engineering teams.
• Plan and execute material qualification campaigns, including characterization, process trials, and production-readiness assessments before hand-off to manufacturing.
• Drive root cause to first principles and implement durable corrective actions.
• Build deep technical understanding of material chemistry, microstructure, and process interactions for metals, polymers, crystals, and other consumables used in high-volume manufacturing.
• Identify opportunities to improve material performance, cost, yield, and reliability through alternative materials, dual-sourcing strategies, or process changes.
• Document qualification results, material specifications, and best practices.
• Communicate status, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and leadership.
• Champion a culture of safety and quality in all materials handling, testing, and production support activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a STEM field.
• 1+ years of experience in materials engineering, materials selection, process materials, or manufacturing materials support.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, or other process consumables in a manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Experience with material qualification, supplier development, or transitioning materials from development into production.
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, optical microscopy, mechanical or chemical property testing).
• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing environment and partnering with production, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Strong first-principles problem solving and a demonstrated ability to dig deep on ambiguous materials challenges.
• Passion for building, learning quickly, and owning outcomes end-to-end; thrives in a fast-paced, scrappy environment with tight timelines.
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills; able to convey technical concepts across all levels of the organization.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods on the manufacturing floor.
• Willingness to work 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.