Fluid Systems Engineer, Starlink Infrastructure

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.

FLUID SYSTEMS ENGINEER, STARLINK INFRASTRUCTURE

The Starlink Infrastructure team is building world-class production facilities in Bastrop, Texas to support vertically integrated manufacturing of solar cells, user terminals, and PCBAs, along with terrestrial and in-space SI data centers. The specialty fluid systems behind these factories are the backbone of production, and this team owns them end to end: chemical and specialty gas delivery, cryogenic storage and distribution, zero-liquid discharge wastewater processing, Air-separation units, and freshwater intake and treatment.

As a Fluid Systems Engineer, you will lead the design, build, and commissioning of these systems. You will be the extreme owner for your systems, carrying novel designs from first requirement through activation and sustained operation. The problems are real and the scale is large: high-volume chip fabrication, solar production, SI compute, and a rapidly expanding constellation of Starlink satellites all depend on the infrastructure this team delivers. This is the future of American manufacturing, built from the ground up.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, build, and activate fluids systems for distribution of bulk and specialty gases, chemicals (e.g., hydrofluoric acid, solvents), exhaust systems, and zero-liquid discharge wastewater plants
• Own projects cradle to grave: requirement definition, design, justification of key decisions, equipment procurement, build coordination, commissioning, and project management
• Serve as project manager for facility construction, developing and maintaining schedules, cost estimates, and budgets
• Manage in-field construction and contractor relationships as the primary point of contact for contracted work, with responsibility for safety, schedule, and field coordination; eliminate blockers and drive the critical path
• Manage selection, procurement, installation, and activation of bulk storage tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, gas panels, valves, scrubbers, and abatement systems
• Apply fluids and mechanical engineering fundamentals, including P&ID development, equipment sizing, detailed fluid and thermal analysis, system-level CONOP development, structural analysis, and materials and component selection
• Perform safety and hazard assessments (e.g., FMEAs, HAZOPs) for hazardous system design, including emergency shutdown CONOPs, redundancy, and compliance with hazardous material safety standards
• Ensure regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, ASME, NFPA, and SEMI standards for chemical and gas handling, and collaborate with fire and life safety engineers to meet code requirements
• Design, build, and deploy data acquisition and control systems for fluids facility control and monitoring
• Collaborate with process engineers to integrate fluids systems with manufacturing equipment and optimize delivery rates, purity levels, and recovery and recycling of process fluids for high-yield production
• Support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting alongside facilities operations, EHS, automation, and procurement teams to resolve issues and implement improvements
• Track system performance metrics (e.g., flow rates, contamination levels, downtime) and drive continuous improvement, including lean manufacturing and fluid reuse initiatives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree in engineering or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in fluid systems design, particularly with gases or hazardous chemicals in manufacturing or semiconductor industries
• 2+ years of experience managing construction projects, design consultants, and mechanical contractors
• Knowledge of safety protocols for pyrophoric materials (e.g., silane) and toxic gases and chemicals (e.g., phosphine, HF)
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3 and SEMI S2/S8 standards, and experience integrating fluid systems with cleanroom HVAC
• Familiarity with cleanroom fluid systems, gas cabinets, scrubbers, and wastewater neutralization for solar cell fabrication
• Familiarity with air separation units (ASUs) for gaseous nitrogen production
• Certification in process safety (e.g., CSP, Six Sigma Green Belt) or hazardous materials handling
• Experience with process safety management, including risk assessment and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency in fluid dynamics software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Pipe-Flo) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for system modeling and diagramming - should be able to do analysis
• Creativity to design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from a blank sheet
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to shift roles and responsibilities rapidly while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a demanding environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to travel frequently for work, potentially for extended periods of time during machine buyoffs and startup
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones

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.