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Cell Engineering Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Cell Engineering information

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$21.1K

$85.1K

$150.6K

How much do cell engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for cell engineering in Austin, TX is $85,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,399.00 and $106,949.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is cell engineering?

Cell engineering is a multidisciplinary field that involves modifying and manipulating cells to enhance their functions or to produce desired biological products. This can include genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and tissue engineering techniques to improve cell performance for applications in medicine, research, or industry. Professionals in cell engineering work on developing therapies, improving disease models, or creating cells that can produce valuable compounds, such as proteins or vaccines. The field is rapidly growing and plays a crucial role in advancements like cell-based therapies, regenerative medicine, and biomanufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cell engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cell Engineer, you need a solid background in biology, biochemistry, or bioengineering, typically supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with techniques such as cell culture, flow cytometry, CRISPR, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or R is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure high-quality, reproducible research and innovation in advancing cell-based technologies and therapies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in cell engineering, and how are they typically addressed within a team environment?

Professionals in Cell Engineering often encounter challenges such as optimizing cell lines for productivity, ensuring genetic stability, and scaling up processes from the laboratory to manufacturing. These challenges are typically addressed through close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, process engineers, and quality assurance specialists. Regular troubleshooting sessions, data sharing, and leveraging automation technologies are common strategies to overcome obstacles. Strong communication and adaptability are essential, as solutions often require integrating expertise from different team members.

What is the difference between Cell Engineering vs Cell Biologist?

AspectCell EngineeringCell Biologist
Required CredentialsDegree in bioengineering, biotechnology, or related fields; often includes lab certificationsDegree in biology, molecular biology, or related fields; research experience common
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on genetic modification, synthetic biology, and bioprocessingResearch labs, academic institutions, and healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutionsUniversities, research institutes, healthcare organizations

Cell Engineering involves designing and modifying cells for specific applications like drug production or tissue engineering, often requiring engineering skills. Cell Biologists focus on understanding cell functions and processes through research. While both roles work in lab settings and require biology backgrounds, Cell Engineering emphasizes applied bioengineering techniques, whereas Cell Biology centers on fundamental research.

How does cell engineering work?

Cell engineering involves modifying or designing cells to achieve specific functions, often using techniques like gene editing, synthetic biology, and molecular biology tools. It requires knowledge of cellular processes, laboratory skills, and often the use of specialized equipment such as bioreactors and microscopes. Professionals in this field work in research labs, biotech companies, or pharmaceutical settings to develop therapies, improve production processes, or create new biological systems.

What does a cell engineer do?

A cell engineer designs and develops biological systems at the cellular level, often working on gene editing, cell culture, and bioprocessing techniques. They use tools like CRISPR and laboratory equipment to modify or optimize cells for applications such as medicine, research, or biotechnology. The role typically requires knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, and laboratory safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Cell Engineering jobs in Austin, TX?

For Cell Engineering jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cell Engineering jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Cell Engineering jobs in Austin, TX are:

Cell Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cell Engineering job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,088 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Equipment Engineering Manager - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

MANAGER, EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING (SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURING)

SpaceX is seeking a highly motivated Equipment Engineering Manager to lead the development, installation, qualification, and sustainment of advanced manufacturing equipment for our next-generation solar cell production lines. In this role, you will drive equipment strategy, reliability, and performance to enable high-volume, high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing that supports SpaceX's energy goals. Your scope will span initial factory turn-on, execution of ambitious factory ramps, and driving of equipment strategy to support continuous solar cell technology and performance improvements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Grow, lead, and mentor a team of equipment engineers responsible for solar cell manufacturing tools including wet chemical benches, PECVD deposition systems, PVD/sputtering tools, metrology/inspection systems, and beyond
  • Own equipment lifecycle management from installation and process qualification through high-volume production, including preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts optimization, and continuous improvement of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment downtime, yield excursions, and process drift using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, DOE).
  • Collaborate with process engineering, manufacturing, and facilities teams to define equipment specifications, acceptance criteria, and capacity expansion roadmaps for solar cell technologies
  • Develop and execute equipment roadmaps that improve throughput, reduce cost per watt, and increase cell efficiency while maintaining world-class uptime
  • Establish and enforce equipment safety, cleanroom protocols, and change control processes in a high-volume semiconductor-style manufacturing environment.
  • Partner with vendors and internal SpaceX designers to evaluate, qualify, and integrate new equipment platforms and drive performance improvements on existing tools
  • Track and report key performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, yield impact, cost of ownership) to senior leadership and drive data-driven decisions
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring equipment is ready for pilot and ramp phases of next-generation cell architectures

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science
  • 5+ years of experience in equipment engineering or maintenance in a high-volume manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, or related industry)
  • 5+ years of experience managing or leading a team of engineers
  • Experience with thin-film deposition, vacuum systems, or wet processing equipment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience specifically with silicon solar cell manufacturing equipment, processes, chemicals, and gases
  • Strong background in semiconductor equipment (PECVD, PVD, ALD, etch, or CMP) or photovoltaic production lines
  • Machine design and/or manufacturing background with proven track record of going from idea to working system
  • Proven track record of improving equipment availability, reducing cost of ownership, and scaling manufacturing capacity
  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), data analytics platforms, and equipment automation (SECS/GEM, PLCs, SCADA)
  • Knowledge of cleanroom operations, contamination control, and safety standards in a high-tech manufacturing setting
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and long weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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