Gas & Chemical Technician, Solar Cells (Starlink) - Day Shift

SpaceX is hiring a Gas & Chemical Technician for its solar cell manufacturing facility in Bastrop, TX. The role involves managing the safe handling and distribution of process gases and chemicals used in solar cell production, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Candidates should have a high school diploma and 2+ years of technical experience in chemical handling. This position is not remote and requires on-site work.
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.

GAS & CHEMICAL TECHNICIAN, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK) - DAY SHIFT


At SpaceX, we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high-efficiency solar power to support intensive computing workloads in space. To make this possible, we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. We are seeking a Gas & Chemical Technician to manage the safe receipt, distribution, monitoring, and recovery of process gases and wet chemicals used in high-volume solar cell production.


RESPONSIBILITIES:



Manage the safe receipt, distribution, monitoring, storage, and recovery of process gases (including phosphine, silane, ammonia, hydrogen, NF3, diborane, and others) and wet chemicals used in texturing, diffusion, PECVD, etching, and cleaning steps
Perform startup, shutdown, and monitoring of gas cabinets, chemical delivery systems, and abatement equipment
Identify process deviations, perform corrective actions, and maintain process parameters through chemical analysis, additions, and system adjustments
Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate gas and chemical handling equipment while ensuring design integrity and product quality
Work closely with engineering teams to develop operating procedures, provide design feedback, and support root cause analysis for issues impacting yield or uptime
Safely handle, transport, and load hazardous chemicals and gases while adhering to all safety protocols
Collect, segregate, and manage chemical waste streams
Track and perform preventive maintenance and calibration of gas and chemical systems
Maintain inventory of consumables and critical spares
Ensure 5S standards and a clean, organized work area while upholding all safety, quality, and environmental policies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:



High school diploma or equivalency certificate
2+ years of experience working in a hands-on technical position in a chemical handling environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:



Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, or hazardous gases and chemicals (including silane, phosphine, and acids)
Knowledge of gas delivery systems, chemical distribution, abatement/scrubbers, and safety interlocks
Experience in semiconductor, solar, or high-volume manufacturing environments
Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to read and understand P&IDs, schematics, and technical documentation
Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and gowning procedures
Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Experience with lock-out/tag-out, job hazard analysis, and chemical safety protocols
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and executing digital work instructions
Demonstrated punctuality, ability to work in a high-stress environment, and flexibility to adjust priorities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:



Ability to stand up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and maneuver around equipment in a factory setting
Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces
Must be available for one of the following AWS shifts (start and end times are approximate):

A Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Wednesday
B Shift – 5:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday


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.