Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

About the role

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide.

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we are looking for the best-in-class engineers to join the team.

We are seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to join our Bastrop, TX team, where we are advancing materials technologies to support the deployment of Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in semiconductor device physics and device fabrication, along with hands-on industry experience in at least one of the following domains-solar cell development, panel-level packaging, or printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing-to drive material and process innovations across all three areas.

This position requires a technical expert who delivers thoughtful leadership, collaborates with stakeholders to execute strategies aligned with Starlink's business objectives, budget, and priorities, while orchestrating end-to-end equipment and process development. You will push material and device performance limits to enable high-efficiency, reliable systems for space and terrestrial applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of CVD recipes and device fabrication processes to boost solar cell efficiency.
• Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development- including device modeling, characterization of performance metrics, and materials failure analysis.
• Build supply chains for wafers, gases, chemicals, and equipment for solar cell manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for materials (e.g. silicon wafers, conductive pastes).
• Address material and process challenges in panel-level packaging while spearheading the development of next-generation dielectric materials to improve packaging performance and scalability.
• Specify and implement in-process metrology tools for quality control. Design wafer-level test structures to evaluate material/electronic properties. Integrate simulation tools with experimental data to guide and drive targeted improvements via material or process changes.
• Drive end-to-end material and process R&D programs, from concept through product implementation, to drive cost down, efficiency improvements, and reliability in electronic systems.
• Collaborate closely with leadership and stakeholders across all departments-including design, reliability, production, and supply chain-to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability for operations and reliability.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.
• Mentor and develop engineers, providing technical guidance and project oversight.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, electrical engineering, or an engineering degree.
• 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in semiconductor device physics with extensive hands-on CVD, PVD and related device fabrication experience; preferred background in photovoltaics.
• Expertise in electrical device testing methods (IV, CV, Hall effect, TLM) and optical device characterization (ellipsometry, UV-VIS-IR spectroscopy, PL, EL, QSSPC).
• Proficiency in microscopy and analytical techniques (SEM/EDS, Raman, XRD, AFM, XPS, SIMS, FTIR, DMA, DSC).
• Proven cross-functional leadership skills, with experience aligning diverse teams to achieve shared technology goals.
• Strong communication skills for presenting to stakeholders as well as guiding and mentoring junior engineers.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces.

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.