Sr. Materials Engineer, Silicon Crystal Growth (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for candidates with deep semiconductor manufacturing experience who can lead process development and cross-functional teams in a technical environment focused on silicon crystal growth and solar cell production in Bastrop, TX.

Best fit for

Candidates with 5+ years in semiconductor crystal growth and a track record of process development and production scaling
— “5+ years of experience in semiconductor crystal growth manufacturing, research, or characterization.”
Individuals with advanced degrees and expertise in CZ crystal growth and silicon characterization techniques
— “Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.”
Professionals who have led root cause investigations and driven improvements in production metrics
— “Lead root cause failure investigations to resolve process issues.”

Things to consider

This role requires a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to ITAR export regulations.
— “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national...”
Candidates must be prepared for extended hours and occasional work in tight or confined spaces.
— “Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.”
Travel is expected up to 25% of the time, which may impact work-life balance.
— “Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.”

How to stand out

Highlight experience with CZ crystal growth and defect mitigation in your resume and interview responses.
— “Expertise in CZ crystal growth fundamentals, including thermal management, impurity control, and defect mitigation.”
Emphasize your background in statistical process control and manufacturing metrics like yield and OEE.
— “Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and manufacturing metrics...”
Showcase your ability to lead cross-functional teams and align stakeholders toward shared goals.
— “Proven cross-functional leadership skills, with experience aligning diverse teams to achieve shared technology goals.”
Demonstrate your hands-on experience with silicon characterization tools such as ICP-MS and FTIR.
— “Proficiency in silicon ingot/wafer characterization techniques and equipment, including ICP-MS, GDMS, XRT...”
Include examples of process improvements and successful technology transfers to production environments.
— “Demonstrated track record in developing new processes, improving efficiencies, and successfully transferring to production...”

Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Company

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

What success looks like

specifying and implementing metrology tools
developing silicon ingot and wafer quality specifications
leading root cause failure investigations

Typical background

materials sciencechemical engineeringsemiconductor manufacturing

Skills & requirements

Required

Materials ScienceSemiconductor ManufacturingQuality ControlRoot Cause AnalysisProcess Development

Preferred

Statistical Process ControlDesign Of ExperimentsManufacturing Metrics

Stack & domain

Materials ScienceChemical EngineeringSemiconductor Crystal GrowthSilicon Ingot/wafer CharacterizationStatistical Process ControlDesign Of ExperimentsProblem-solvingTeamworkSemiconductorSolar Cells

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.
SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, SILICON CRYSTAL GROWTH (STARLINK)
Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low-latency broadband internet worldwide. We are committed to offering access to high-speed internet to customers and are looking for a Materials Engineer to utilize their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve materials and processing challenges in silicon crystal growth and wafer production for Starlink solar cells.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development for silicon ingot and wafer production.
Specify and implement in-process and off-line metrology tools for quality control.
Develop silicon ingot and wafer quality specifications; conduct testing and performance evaluation to ensure specifications are met.
Lead root cause failure investigations to resolve process issues.
Push material and crystal growth process limits to enable higher PV efficiency.
Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to drive scale-up plans from R&D to production of silicon ingots and wafers.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a STEM field.
5+ years of experience in semiconductor crystal growth manufacturing, research, or characterization.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of professional work experience (photovoltaics, semiconductor, or crystal growth sectors preferred).
Expertise in CZ crystal growth fundamentals, including thermal management, impurity control, and defect mitigation.
In-depth knowledge of polysilicon feedstock, dopants, crucible materials, and their impact on ingot quality and yield.
Proficiency in silicon ingot/wafer characterization techniques and equipment, including ICP-MS, GDMS, XRT, SEM/TEM, FTIR, resistivity mapping, and minority carrier lifetime testing (PL).
Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and manufacturing metrics (e.g., CPK, yield, OEE) in production environments.
Demonstrated track record in developing new processes, improving efficiencies (e.g., pull rates, purity >9N), and successfully transferring to production in a rapidly growing, fast-paced environment.
Proven cross-functional leadership skills, with experience aligning diverse teams to achieve shared technology goals.
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.
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)