Materials Engineer (Starlink)
Core
Own critical consumable materials (metals, polymers, crystals) for high-volume solar cell and wafer manufacturing lines, driving qualification and production hand-off.
Role type
Senior IC materials engineer (manufacturing)
Builds
High-efficiency solar cells and wafers for the Starlink satellite constellation
Domain
Aerospace / Solar energy manufacturing
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work -> physical/clinical work (manufacturing support)
Required skills
materials selection, supplier qualification, material characterization, root cause analysis, process optimization, specification definition, cross-functional collaboration
Preferred skills
advanced materials knowledge (ceramics, coatings), high-volume manufacturing experience, first-principles problem solving, rapid learning
Technologies
SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, optical microscopy, mechanical testing, chemical property testing
Responsibilities
Source and qualify suppliers for critical process materials; define material specifications and acceptance criteria; execute material qualification campaigns and production-readiness assessments; drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions; improve material performance, cost, and yield; document qualification results and best practices; support manufacturing floor operations.
Seniority
Mid-level, hands-on IC