Sr. Water Treatment Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SR. WATER TREATMENT ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high-efficiency solar power to support intensive computing workloads in space. To make this possible, we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. We are seeking a best-in-class Water Treatment Engineer to drive design, commissioning, build, and operations of ultrapure water and wastewater systems. This high-impact role will help shape process strategies from the ground up while enabling SpaceX’s ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.  

As a Sr. Water Treatment Engineer on the Starlink manufacturing program, you will take ownership for activating, qualifying, optimizing, and ensuring the consistency of operations for an ultrapure process water plant supporting our solar cell manufacturing lines. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and operationalization of equipment, facilities, tooling, and manufacturing process technologies necessary for high-volume production. Your work will form the backbone for millions of next-generation of satellites used all over the world. For homes, schools, businesses, vehicles, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in ensuring high-speed connectivity is available to all who need it.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate extreme ownership in the construction, activation, and operation of a new commercial ultrapure process water treatment facility
• Design, implement, and productionize mechanical and fluid systems that meet SpaceX and regulatory requirements
• Interpret lab analysis, data streams, and operator feedback to effectively maintain safe and effective plant operations
• Develop, implement, maintain, and improve operational procedures, methods, and process equipment
• Form strong partnerships with internal and external counterparts, including but not limited to manufacturing operations and engineering, environment health and safety (EHS), facilities construction and maintenance teams, representatives of regulatory bodies, OEM equipment manufactures, and supplier representatives
• Identify and champion continuous improvement projects
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines
• Monitor and communicate area status and risks

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment or with fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis (internship or project team experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years hands-on project experience in wastewater treatment
• Experience with process parameters and engineering units for temperature, pressure, flow, and power
• Ability to read and understand process PFDs, P&IDs, 2D and 3D CAD drawings, construction drawings, and BOMs
• Experience with mechanical equipment and systems requiring the isolation of the malfunction, disassembly of industrial machinery, and repair/replacement of bearings, gears, structural components
• Experience with lock out tag out, job hazard analysis, and hot work permitting
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles
• Experience taking products from research and development into production

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work all shifts and available for weekends as needed
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Able to work outside with hand tools
• Able to stand, climb, walk and work with object overhead