Sr. Chemical Engineer (Starlink PCB)

To apply for the Sr. Chemical Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and have 5+ years of relevant experience in chemical engineering design, analysis, or system implementation. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields, along with hands-on experience in complex production systems.

As a Sr. Chemical Engineer at SpaceX, you will be responsible for developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for PCBs. This includes analyzing production processes using a physics-based approach, conducting experiments to troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and performing defect characterization and analysis to enhance production yields.

The Sr. Chemical Engineer plays a crucial role in the Starlink project by spearheading the production processes for PCBs that are vital for our satellite technology. By designing environmentally friendly chemical processes and collaborating with a skilled team, your work will ensure high-speed internet reaches users in even the most remote areas.

In addition to the required qualifications, SpaceX prefers candidates who possess hands-on experience with PCB manufacturing processes, such as metal plating and copper etching. Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills are also highly valued, especially in cross-functional project environments.

Candidates for the Sr. Chemical Engineer position must be able to lift 25 lbs unassisted and be capable of performing physical tasks such as standing, climbing, bending, and carrying. This is essential for executing responsibilities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

When answering this question, focus on specific PCB processes you have worked with, such as metal plating or copper etching. Discuss your role in implementing or optimizing these processes, detailing the outcomes and improvements you contributed to.

For this question, share a specific example where you used a systematic approach to diagnose and resolve an engineering problem. Discuss the methods you employed, such as statistical analysis or process experimentation, and the impact your solution had on production.

Explain your familiarity with environmental regulations related to chemical engineering, and detail processes you have implemented to maintain compliance. Highlight your commitment to sustainability and any innovative strategies you've developed for waste management.

Share your strategies for managing multiple tasks effectively. Discuss methods such as setting clear priorities based on project deadlines and importance, as well as monitoring progress regularly to ensure timely completion.

Emphasize the importance of teamwork in achieving engineering goals, and provide examples of projects where collaboration led to successful outcomes. Mention how you communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to align on project objectives.

Select a specific challenging project you managed and describe the obstacles you faced. Detail the steps you took to overcome these challenges, and showcase the outcomes and lessons learned, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.

Illustrate your experience with statistical techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE) when optimizing manufacturing processes. Discuss how you've utilized data to identify trends and drive improvements in productivity and quality.

Convey your commitment to continuous learning by discussing various ways you stay informed about advancements in the field. Mention attending industry conferences, reading relevant journals, and engaging in professional networks.

Identify key soft skills that are vital for success in this role, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Provide examples of situations where these skills have contributed positively to your work or project outcomes.

Discuss your methodical approach to diagnosing production issues, including gathering data, involving team members, and implementing a plan for corrective actions. Highlight the importance of resilience and learning from failures.