PCB Materials Lab Technician (Starlink)

Future Ventures; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Texas is seeking a PCB Materials Lab Technician for its Starlink factory. The role entails working in a chemical and materials lab to support printed circuit board manufacturing. Key responsibilities include executing test methods, maintaining lab equipment, and improving lab processes. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and at least a year of relevant lab experience. Strong communication skills and the ability to work with engineers are essential.

Qualifications

• 1+ years hands-on micro-section sample preparation or materials lab experience.
• Strong desire to expand technical knowledge.
• Familiarity with PCB failure modes (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012).

Responsibilities

• Execute test methods and perform analysis in a lab setting.
• Work with engineers to document test procedures.
• Safely handle chemicals and maintain lab equipment.

Skills

Hands-on micro-section sample preparation

Characterization techniques (SEM/EDS)

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

LIMS software

Job description

PCB MATERIALS LAB TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)

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 micro-section sample preparation and analysis, while meeting goals for output and quality. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a 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 equivalency certificate
• 1+ years hands‑on micro‑section sample preparation or materials lab experience

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
• Must be available for one of the shifts below:
  • A‑Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
  • B‑Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
  • C‑Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
  • D‑Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• 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

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 Aff…? or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].