Fluid Systems Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Fluid Systems Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)Bastrop, TXSpaceX 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.The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Fluids Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize fluid systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in solar cell fabrication. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe handling of hazardous materials in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring reliable supply to processes like vacuum deposition and etching while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.Responsibilities:Design, build, and activate fluids systems for the distribution of key gases (e.g. specialty and bulk gases), chemicals (e.g., hydrofluoric acid, solvents) and exhaust systems used in solar cell processes, including tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, gas panels, valves, scrubbers, and abatement systemsCradle-to-grave project ownership including requirement definition, design, justification of key decisions, equipment procurement, build coordination, commissioning and project management throughoutDesign modular systems capable of being manufactured at scale for future solar production facilitiesApply fluids/mechanical engineering skills such as P&ID development, equipment sizing, detailed fluid and thermal analysis, system-level CONOP development, structural analysis, materials and component selection.Perform safety/hazard assessments (ex. FMEAs, HAZOPs) to ensure appropriate hazardous system design, including emergency shutdown CONOPs, redundancy, and general compliance with hazardous material safety standardsDesign, build, and deploy data acquisition and control systems for fluid facilities control and monitoringCollaborate with process engineers to integrate fluid systems with manufacturing equipment and optimize delivery rates, purity levels, and recovery/recycling of process fluids to support high-yield productionSupport installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of fluid systems, working closely with facilities operations, EHS, automation, and procurement teams to resolve issues and implement improvementsEnsure regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, ASME, NFPA, and SEMI standards for chemical and gas handling in semiconductor-like environmentsTrack system performance metrics (e.g., flow rates, contamination levels, downtime) and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, such as lean manufacturing and sustainability efforts for fluid reuseBasic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)Preferred Skills and Experience:Advanced degree in engineering or related field2+ years of experience in fluid systems design, particularly with gases or hazardous chemicals in manufacturing or semiconductor industries2+ years of experience in photovoltaic, semiconductor, or thin-film deposition manufacturingKnowledge of safety protocols for handling pyrophoric materials (e.g., silane) and toxic gases/chemicals (e.g., phosphine, HF)Knowledge of ASME B31.3, SEMI S2/S8 standards and experience with cleanroom HVAC integration for fluid systemsFamiliarity with cleanroom fluid systems, gas cabinets, scrubbers, and wastewater neutralization for solar cell fabricationFamiliarity with air separation units (ASUs) for gaseous nitrogen production.Certification in process safety (e.g., CSP, Six Sigma Green Belt) or hazardous materials handlingProficiency in fluid dynamics software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Pipe-Flo) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for system modeling and diagrammingExperience with process safety management, including risk assessment and regulatory complianceAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment and collaborate across multidisciplinary teamsAbility to work independently, take initiative, and communicate effectivelyAbility to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a demanding work environmentCreativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratchAdditional Requirements:Ability to travel frequently for work, potentially for extended periods of time during machine buyoffs and startupAbility to lift 25 lbs. unassistedLifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this positionMust be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestonesITAR 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.