Equipment Maintenance Technician, Silicon Assembly (Starlink)

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX, a leader in space exploration, seeks an Equipment Maintenance Technician for the Silicon Assembly team (Starlink). You will maintain, repair, and optimize semiconductor production equipment in a fast-paced cleanroom environment.

You will troubleshoot complex systems, collaborate with process engineers and vendors, and contribute to achieving high yield and reliability for Starlink packaging lines.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on manufacturing experience or engineering degree
• Experience with semiconductor photolithography operations in a fab
• Ability to read electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
• Strong problem-solving skills and TPM knowledge

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and unplanned repairs on production line equipment.
• Read schematics to troubleshoot down to component level.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and safety protocols.
• Use diagnostic tools to monitor performance and implement solutions.
• Provide TPM training and work with cross-functional teams to reduce downtime.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions to improve OEE.
• Operate material handling equipment and participate in safety drills.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Machinery maintenance

Schematics reading

Lockout tagout

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

OEE improvements

Safety awareness

Vendor communication

Electrical/mechanical aptitude

Education

Electronics technology degree

Engineering degree

Tools

PVD systems

Metrology equipment

PLC troubleshooting

VFD troubleshooting

Micrometers & calipers

Job description

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.

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, SILICON ASSEMBLY (STARLINK)

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.

As a semiconductor equipment maintenance technician, you will be responsible for the upkeep, preventative, and unscheduled maintenance of the production equipment for the custom silicon packaging team at Starlink. This is a versatile and highly skilled, hands on manufacturing job. The position will require extensive collaboration and critical thinking to troubleshoot unique equipment issues and develop quick solutions in a demanding environment. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced cleanroom setting, has a wide array of complementary skills, and is motivated by Starlink's mission to provide high speed, low latency connectivity across the globe.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform preventative maintenance and unplanned (Andon) maintenance repairs of production line equipment that includes photolithography, die prep, grind and polish, AOI, reflow, die bonding, compression molding, convection and vacuum curing ovens, tape mount, microsaw and die singulation equipment, physical vapor deposition (PVD) systems, electrochemical plating, wet/dry etch, dry films, metrology and back end semiconductor (RF) test equipment
• Read and utilize schematics (mechanical/electrical/pneumatic) to troubleshoot systems down to the component level
• Read and safely execute lockout tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Utilize diagnostic equipment to monitor equipment performance, diagnose root cause, and develop/implement solutions
• Use schematics, hand tools, electrical gauges and common test equipment for calibration, diagnosis, and repair of machinery or peripheral equipment
• Communicate with suppliers, specify requirements, obtain quotes, and submit purchase requisitions to procure necessary items to reduce/eliminate equipment downtime
• Provide feedback, work with equipment reliability, process engineering, and vendor teams to identify root cause of failures associated with equipment downtime and drive solutions
• Conduct training for production personnel to implement total productive maintenance (TPM) across all process modules
• Operate material handling equipment including scissor lifts, forklifts, hand trucks, electric dollies, and hoists
• Participate in basic training and safety drills to stay current on equipment handling and emergency response
• Support root cause analysis for process excursions and implement corrective actions to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of professional experience in a hands‑on manufacturing environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in electronics technology, mechanical engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of direct experience in semiconductor photolithography operations within a fab environment
• 6+ years as a field service engineer responsible for installing and commissioning equipment
• 6+ years experience in deposition for wafer or advanced packaging CVD/PVD/ALD or epitaxy
• 6+ years experience with high plasma, reactive ion etch (RIE), or ion implantation
• 6+ years experience troubleshooting and optimizing programmable logic controllers (PLC) and variable frequency drives (VFD)
• Experience with parallel linear robots and multi‑chamber/multi‑axis machinery
• Excellent manual dexterity in order to repair and perform preventative maintenance on precision manufacturing equipment
• Ability to use power tools and hand tools, unique and custom test and measurement equipment for calibration and troubleshooting, micrometers, calipers, drop gauges, multimeters, tensiometers, vacuum testers, analytical testers and others
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
• Ability to write detailed repair reports when necessary (skilled with use of Microsoft Office Suite)
• Experienced in root cause analysis and scientific problem solving (e.g. Fishbone, 8D, A3)
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, such as Six Sigma (DMAIC) and Theory of Constraints (TOC), and experience in yield optimization projects
• Thorough proficiency in electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and controls troubleshooting
• Familiarity with hand tools, meters, and high vacuum systems
• Strong safety awareness, attention to detail, and ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work all shifts and be willing to work overtime and/or weekends as needed
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted

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.

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 reach out to [e-mail].