SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Manufacturing Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Bastrop, TXInternshipPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

microelectronics
manufacturing
satellite
compute electronics
power systems
thermal radiators
solar power
AI compute
wafer
gases

Nice to have

hardware
robotics
automation
tooling
fixtures
jigs

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for its Starmind initiative, focusing on AI satellites. This role involves owning the manufacturing line for satellite hardware, including compute electronics, memory, and networking. Responsibilities include developing and optimizing high-rate manufacturing processes, specifying and validating equipment, managing supply chains for materials like wafers and chemicals, defining acceptance criteria, addressing material and process challenges in packaging, implementing metrology for quality control, designing test structures, and integrating simulation with experimental data. The engineer will drive R&D programs to reduce costs and improve efficiency and reliability, collaborating with design, reliability, production, and supply chain teams. Experience in microelectronics manufacturing or research is required, with preferred skills in automation, data analysis (Python, MATLAB), tooling design, and cleanroom practices.

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.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high-performance electrical compute hardware, solar power systems, thermal radiators, and more. These systems must operate in the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference.

The Starmind team designs, builds, and operates the orbital compute fabric of the future. We develop nearly every key piece of technology in house – from the satellites’ flight computers and power systems to the fully custom compute electronics, memory, and networking that form the brain of our on-orbit data centers. As a Manufacturing Engineer on the Starmind team, you’ll have ownership over the entire manufacturing line for the hardware that enables advanced on-orbit AI processing and data center workloads. Your work spans the assembly, integration, and testing of industry-leading compute electronics, memory, and networking in order to achieve required domain sizes and processing workloads.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Own the development and optimization of high-rate manufacturing for satellite

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.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

Bachelor's degree in an engineering degree.

Experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  

Internship, co-op, or early-career experience in hardware, robotics, automation, or manufacturing environments

Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly or test applications

Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) for process data analysis or automation

Experience working with precision assemblies, robotic systems, or automated pick-and-place equipment

Familiarity with manufacturing process development methodologies (e.g., PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC)

Exposure to GD&T and tolerance analysis as applied to fixture and tooling design

Experience with or interest in production data systems, MES, or manufacturing traceability infrastructure

Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing practices

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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