Failure Analysis Technician (Starlink PCB) at SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

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.

FAILURE ANALYSIS TECHNICIAN (STARLINK PCB)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven technicians to drive manufacturing output and yield. You will have ownership of one or more process areas and will have the opportunity to directly impact Starlink’s products. You will have frequent interaction with engineering teams and leadership and will participate in developing and validating new equipment, processes, and technologies. The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, security, and user experience of the products that you will manufacture.

As a PCB Materials Lab Technician, you will be working in a brand new chemical and materials lab supporting printed circuit board manufacturing in the Starlink factory. This is a versatile and highly skilled, hands on lab role that will involve PCB microsection sample preparation and analysis, while meeting goals for output and quality. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in an lab setting within an electro-chemical manufacturing environment and is motivated by Starlink’s mission to provide high speed, low latency connectivity across the globe.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute test methods and perform analysis to support start-up and sustaining operations of new state of the art PCB production lines

• Work with engineers to develop and document test procedures

• Recommend improvements to lab processes and work with engineers to refine processes with a specific focus on reducing cost and downtime and increasing yield

• Work with engineers on characterization and failure analysis processes

• Operate lab equipment including a router, polisher, SEM, EDS, and laser profilometer.

• Schedule and perform preventive maintenance and calibration of equipment and instruments

• Perform first level troubleshooting, provide feedback, and work with maintenance and engineering teams to drive root cause of equipment downtime

• Cross train on chemical analysis equipment including automatic titrators, UV-VIS, and Atomic Absorption.

• Maintain inventory of consumables

• Coordinate with vendors as needed for troubleshooting and other equipment support

• Safely handle chemicals (including transporting and loading) and chemical handling equipment

• Collect, segregate, and transport waste from generation points to the hazardous waste storage area

• Read, interpret, and follow technical documents

• Ensure 5S standards are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area

• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• 1+ years hands-on microsection sample preparation or materials lab experience or associate’s degree in a related field

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong desire to expand technical knowledge

• Experience with characterization techniques (SEM/EDS)

• Previous experience performing PCB manufacturing quality analyses

• Familiarity with PCB failure modes (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012)

• Experience working with LIMS software

• Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, or hazardous chemicals

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work closely with engineering, other technicians, and cross-functional teams

• Ability to identify and maintain priorities for tasks and projects while staying organized

• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working independently in a high-paced, challenging work environment with minimal oversight

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be open to work all shifts, overtime and/or weekends as needed

• Nominal hours – 2nd shift: Monday through Friday 3:30 PM - 2 AM

• Must be able to lift up to of 25 lbs. unassisted

• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time

• Must be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents

• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro-chemical manufacturing environment

• Must be comfortable with climbing up and down ladders, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces

• Able to travel for business trips up to 10% on an ongoing basis

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

PCB Process Technician/Level 1: $20.00 - $27.00/hour

PCB Process Technician/Level 2: $25.00 - $32.50/hour

PCB Process Technician/Level 3: $30.00 - $38.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.