PCB Materials Lab Technician (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Bastrop, Texas, is seeking a PCB Materials Lab Technician to support printed circuit board manufacturing. You will execute test methods, develop procedures, and perform analyses while maintaining lab standards. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma and hands-on experience in a materials lab. Key skills include chemical handling and operation of lab equipment. The position requires shift flexibility and working with hazardous materials in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years hands-on micro-section sample preparation or materials lab experience.
• Experience with PCB manufacturing quality analyses.
• Familiarity with PCB failure modes.

Responsibilities

• Execute test methods and perform analysis to support PCB production.
• Develop and document test procedures with engineers.
• Operate lab equipment including a router and polisher.

Skills

Micro-section sample preparation

Chemical handling

Electrical engineering fundamentals

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

SEM

EDS

LIMS software

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.

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 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
• 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 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].