Quality Inspector, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX
Bastrop, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level quality inspectors with solar cell or semiconductor experience working in industrial cleanroom environments.

Best fit for

  • Manufacturing inspectors comfortable with detailed electrical and visual testing protocols
    — “Conduct visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of solar cells
  • Cleanroom operators who can document defects and support root cause analysis
    — “Document inspection results, disposition nonconforming material, and support root cause analysis
  • Technical inspectors familiar with solar cell performance metrics like Voc and Jsc
    — “Verify critical cell parameters including efficiency, Voc, Jsc, fill factor

Things to consider

  • Must be available for 12-hour shifts including weekends
    — “A Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Wednesday
  • Physical demands include standing for 6 hours and lifting 25 lbs
    — “Ability to stand for up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 lbs
  • Exposure to industrial hazards like chemicals and confined spaces
    — “Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals

How to stand out

  • Quantify defect reduction impact from past inspection roles
    — “Work closely with production and engineering teams to improve yield and reduce defects
  • Highlight cleanroom protocol certifications or ISO standard experience
    — “Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in ISO-classified cleanrooms
  • Demonstrate proficiency with IV testers and photoluminescence tools
    — “Operate and interpret results from metrology tools such as IV testers (AM1.5/AM0), photoluminescence (PL)
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Junior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • conducted inspections at various production stages
  • verified critical cell parameters against targets
Typical background
2+ years of experience performing quality inspections in a manufacturing environment

Skills & requirements

Required

Visual, Mechanical, And Electrical InspectionsOperation Of Metrology ToolsQuality VerificationInspection RecordsProcess ImprovementCompliance With Quality StandardsCommunication SkillsAbility To Work In Cleanroom Environments

Preferred

Lock-out/tag-out ProceduresJob Hazard AnalysisChemical Safety Protocols

Stack & domain

Quality InspectionSolar Cell ManufacturingIV TestersPhotoluminescenceElectroluminescenceAOI SystemsSheet Resistance MetersStatistical Process ControlQuality Documentation SystemsLock-out/tag-outJob Hazard AnalysisChemical Safety ProtocolsMicrosoft Office ToolsDigital Work InstructionsAttention To DetailTeamworkCommunicationAdaptabilityPunctualityStress ManagementSolar PowerManufacturingCleanroom EnvironmentsISO Standards5SSafety Requirements

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

QUALITY INSPECTOR, SOLAR CELLS (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 Quality Inspector to conduct visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of solar cells at various production stages and perform final outgoing quality verification.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Conduct visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections of solar cells at incoming, in-process, and final stages including checks for cracks, chips, edge quality, print defects, and layer uniformity 

Operate and interpret results from metrology tools such as IV testers (AM1.5/AM0), photoluminescence (PL), electroluminescence (EL), AOI systems, and sheet resistance meters 

Verify critical cell parameters including efficiency, Voc, Jsc, fill factor, thickness, and lifetime against targets 

Perform final outgoing quality verification and packout inspections prior to shipment 

Document inspection results, disposition nonconforming material, and support root cause analysis for quality issues 

Work closely with production and engineering teams to improve yield and reduce defects 

Maintain inspection records and ensure compliance with quality standards in cleanroom environments 

Identify opportunities for process improvement and uphold 5S and safety requirements 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

2+ years of experience performing quality inspections in a manufacturing environment 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Experience with solar cell, semiconductor, or precision electronics inspection processes 

Familiarity with optical inspection, electrical testing, and materials characterization tools 

Knowledge of quality metrics such as efficiency, Voc, Jsc, fill factor, and defect classification 

Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and engineering drawings 

Experience with statistical process control and quality documentation systems 

Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in ISO-classified cleanrooms 

Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment 

Experience with lock-out/tag-out, job hazard analysis, and chemical safety protocols 

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and executing digital work instructions 

Demonstrated punctuality, ability to work in a high-stress environment, and flexibility to adjust priorities 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Ability to stand for up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted, and maneuver around equipment in a factory setting 

Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces 

Must be available for one of the following AWS shifts (start and end times are approximate): 

A Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Wednesday 

B Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday 

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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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