Materials Lab Technician (Starlink PCB) - Level 4/5

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.

PCB MATERIALS LAB TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the world. 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 world.

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
• 5+ 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
• 5+ years of 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