This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay
$137,500–$187,312.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
The Supplier Development Engineer, Photovoltaics (Starlink) joins the Starlink User Terminal team to manage the end-to-end supply chain for solar cells, wafers, ingots, and polysilicon. This role focuses on building a resilient, scalable manufacturing infrastructure to support high-volume photovoltaic module production. The engineer will perform early supplier engagement regarding equipment selection and process engineering while leading new product introduction activities, including PPAP, FAI, and qualification campaigns. Key responsibilities include implementing AI solutions for defect detection, utilizing Lean methodologies for performance improvement, and performing root cause analysis using 8D and 5-Why techniques. The role requires expertise in crystalline silicon processes like texturing, diffusion, and metallization, alongside knowledge of high-efficiency technologies such as TOPCon, HJT, PERC, and IBC. Candidates must navigate complex manufacturing requirements to ensure consistent quality and yield for the Starlink product line.
Manage end-to-end supplier development and manufacturing bring-up for the photovoltaic supply chain including polysilicon, ingots, wafers, and solar cells.
Engage early with suppliers on equipment selection and process engineering to ensure high-volume manufacturing readiness.
Lead new product introduction (NPI) activities, production part approval processes (PPAP), and qualification campaigns for high-volume output.
Develop and execute robust qualification plans for material purity, wafer specifications, solar cell efficiency, and overall module performance.
Implement AI solutions for process control, defect detection, yield optimization, and predictive analytics in manufacturing.
Standardize qualification protocols across the supply base, including equipment buy-off checklists and reliability demonstration methods.
Drive supplier performance improvements using Lean methodologies, scorecards, and systematic problem-solving to improve quality and yield.
Perform reactive quality engineering by conducting root cause analysis and corrective actions for field returns and production issues.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or another engineering discipline.
At least 1 year of experience in solar photovoltaic manufacturing, crystalline silicon supply chain, or supplier development.
Preferred: 3+ years of experience in solar photovoltaic manufacturing, crystalline silicon supply chain, or supplier development.
Strong technical background in solar cell fabrication and upstream silicon processes including polysilicon refining, ingot crystallization, and wafer slicing.
Experience with high-efficiency technologies such as TOPCon, HJT, PERC, and IBC.
Proficiency in quality and manufacturing standards including PPAP, APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies.
Familiarity with industry standards such as IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and UL 1703.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
Power Electronics
SiC
GaN
MOSFET
EMI/EMC
PPAP
APQP
DFMEA
PFMEA
FAI
Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma
8D
5-Why
Minitab
JMP
Design of Experiments
Weibull Analysis
IPC-9592
IEC 62368-1
WiFi
Radio Frequency (RF)
IEEE) 802.11
High-Volume Manufacturing
NPI
PPAP
DFMEA
PFMEA
FAI
Lean
Six Sigma
Minitab
DOE
SMT
EMI/EMC
OFDMA
MIMO
Beamforming
FCC) Part 15
IPC-A-610