Manager, Facilities Operations - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations of the central utility plant, gas farm, chemical systems, and wastewater treatment infrastructure that enable 24/7 solar cell manufacturing
Oversee high-purity gas and chemical procurement, storage, distribution, and delivery systems while minimizing waste and ensuring uninterrupted supply to production lines
Manage critical building and environmental systems (HVAC, power distribution, plumbing, and exhaust) to maintain precise cleanroom conditions required for space-grade solar cells
Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules, operational procedures, safety training, and emergency response plans to guarantee facility uptime and risk mitigation
Lead and develop a team of facility technicians and operators, providing coaching and performance management in a high-reliability environment
Collaborate with Production, Machine Maintenance, and EHS teams to troubleshoot issues, integrate new processes, and support factory expansion as output
Track and optimize key performance metrics including system uptime, utility costs, environmental compliance, and impact on production yield
Drive sustainable operations and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and local codes) while continuously improving cost efficiency and infrastructure reliability
Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation to enable SpaceX’s vision for AI data centers in space

Requirements

• Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline; OR 5+ years of experience leading facilities/utilities operations
  3+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/operations environment
  2+ years of experience in a leadership position
  Experience managing central utility plants, gas/chemical systems, and/or general facilities
• Preferred Skills And Experience: Strong knowledge of central utility plants, gas farms, chemical distribution, and building systems (HVAC, electrical, pneumatic)
  Experience with environmental permitting, auditing, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance in a factory setting
  Experience with solar cell production support systems, including pyrophoric gases, toxic chemicals, and wastewater treatment
  Expertise in SCADA systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation for facility and utility control
  Familiarity with Six Sigma or similar process improvement methodologies applied to facility operations
  Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex infrastructure in high-stakes, high-growth manufacturing environments
  Demonstrated success working in dynamic environments with strict safety, environmental, and operational requirements

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel internationally (20%)
• 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
• Willingness to work all shifts, extended hours and weekends as needed