Advanced Silicon Wafer R&D Technician (L4/L5)

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician at Level 4/5 to partner with engineering on silicon wafer fab R&D lines, developing and refining recipes for high-quality wafers used in solar cell fabrication for Starlink satellites and Starship missions. Responsibilities include equipment commissioning, process development, and wafer characterization, with a focus on safety and 5S/cleanroom standards.

You will handle hazardous chemicals, support training for production technicians, and work

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; required for consideration.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or high-tech production (photovoltaics or silicon processing).
• 1+ years experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, and/or hazardous chemicals safely.

Responsibilities

• Partner with engineering to rapidly bring online silicon wafer fab development lines.
• Drive equipment commissioning, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Perform wafer processing tasks (ingot cropping, slicing, cleaning, degumming, surface conditioning) for low-defect wafers.
• Execute DOEs to optimize silicon recycling procedures and minimize contamination.
• Test and evaluate supplier materials (slurries, wires, adhesives, wet process chemicals) for contamination and performance.
• Perform silicon wafer characterization; maintain and calibrate lab equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in STEM

Tools

ICP‑MS

GDMS

XRT

SEM/TEM

FTIR

Resistivity mapping

Minority carrier lifetime testing (PL)

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician at Level 4/5 to partner with engineering on silicon wafer fab R&D lines, developing and refining recipes for high-quality wafers used in solar cell fabrication for Starlink satellites and Starship missions. Responsibilities include equipment commissioning, process development, and wafer characterization, with a focus on safety and 5S/cleanroom standards.

You will handle hazardous chemicals, support training for production technicians, and work