Starlink Development Lead, Solar Ingot & Wafer

Bastrop, TX · 5+ years experience · Posted Oct 16, 2026

At a glance

SpaceX is seeking a Starlink Development Lead for Solar Ingot & Wafer to oversee factory acceptance tests, equipment readiness, process development, trials, and production launch for silicon ingot growth and wafering.
The role serves as the day-to-day link between OEMs, development, operations, quality, equipment, and suppliers to transition new recipes, tools, and process changes into stable production.

Plan, schedule, and run development trials on ingot pullers, crop and square, multi-wire saws, cleaning, and related metrology.
Turn engineering intent into trial plans including DOE, recipe versions, material lots, fixtures and consumables, and success criteria.
Define process windows and track KPIs such as kg/pull, wafer yield, kerf loss, downtime, scrap, and first-pass yield.
Coordinate tool time, material readiness, operator coverage, fixtures, hot-zone parts, wires, slurry and coolant, crucibles, and other consumables.
Track status, blockers, and results, escalate risks with options and owners, and give leadership concise updates.
Collect trial data and support root cause analysis on trial and early-production issues.
Own trial reports, work instructions, travelers, checklists, training notes, and revision control of recipes, fixtures, and consumable specs.
Initiate and track ECOs and process changes, including training and first-article or first-lot verification before release.
Partner with quality and metrology on incoming silicon, in-process checks, and outgoing wafer specs, and support vendor trials and incoming qualifications.
Lead pilot-to-production transfer, support the ramp until rate and quality are stable, and enforce EHS requirements.

Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a STEM field.

Experience in Czochralski ingot growth, wafering (wire saw), or a photovoltaic or semiconductor wafer fabrication line.
Familiarity with silicon specifications, including resistivity, lifetime, oxygen, and geometry.
Working knowledge of MES and QMS, change control, and basic CAD or process mapping.
Experience working with equipment teams and suppliers.