PCB Process Technician (Starlink)

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a PCB Process Technician for Starlink in Bastrop, TX. You will own state-of-the-art production processes, monitor parameters, and maintain equipment reliability to enable high-volume PCB production.

Responsibilities include startup/shutdown, troubleshooting, maintaining process parameters, and collaborating with engineers to improve yield and cost efficiency. This role requires flexibility with shifts and a strong adherence to safety and 5S standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• 1+ years of hands-on technical experience.
• IPC-A-600/IPC-6012 certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute startup and shutdown procedures for production equipment.
• Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions.
• Maintain process parameters and perform interventions as needed.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain process equipment including plating, etching, developing, and cleaning systems.
• Work with engineers to create operating procedures.
• Maintain a mature hardware inventory and procure critical spares.
• Identify yield, performance, and cost improvements.
• Perform preventive maintenance and calibration of equipment.

Skills

PCB fabrication

Process parameters

Electrical safety

Mechanical repair

Lockout/Tagout

P&ID reading

MS Office

IPC certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

IPC-A-600/IPC-6012 certification

Tools

MES/ERP

MS Outlook/Word/Excel/PowerPoint

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.

PCB PROCESS TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best-in-class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a PCB Process Technician, you will take ownership of state-of-the-art production processes and equipment performance and reliability by monitoring process parameters and maintaining components, with a keen eye for leading indicators of instability or malfunction. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and operation of equipment, facilities, treatment, and manufacturing process technologies necessary for high-volume production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute startup and shutdown procedures for production equipment
• Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions
• Perform necessary interventions to maintain process parameters (this may include chemical analysis, additions, recipe changes, and machine adjustments)
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate a variety of process equipment including plating, etching, stripping, developing, surface treatment, and cleaning equipment
• Work with engineers and technicians to create operating procedures
• Use knowledge of systems and existing documentation like schematics and parts lists to create and maintain a mature and efficient hardware inventory system, including procurement of critical spares
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, performance, and cost
• Schedule and perform preventive maintenance and calibration of equipment and instruments
• Perform dispositions and rework for nonconforming PCBs
• Provide feedback on failure modes and support engineering to drive root cause of yield limiters
• Train new production staff
• Maintain inventory of consumables
• Safely handle chemicals and chemical handling equipment, including transportation, loading, and unloading
• Collect, segregate, and transport waste from generation points to the hazardous waste storage area
• Recommend improvements to manufacturing processes and work with engineers to develop, implement, and refine processes with a specific focus on reducing cost and downtime and increasing yield
• Read, interpret, and follow technical documents and manufacturing work instructions
• 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 of experience working in a hands-on technical position

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electrochemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication (including school projects, clubs, or internships)
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment or wet lab
• Experience with process parameters and engineering units for temperature, pressure, flow, and power
• Ability to read and understand P&ID and schematic wiring diagrams
• Proficiently use a computer and MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with mechanical equipment and systems requiring the isolation of the malfunction, disassembly of industrial machinery and repair/replacement of bearings, gears, structural components
• Experience with lock out tag out, job hazard analysis, hot work permitting
• Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, or hazardous chemicals
• Experience using production and inventory management software such as MES/ERP
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work closely with 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
• Current or past certification for IPC-A-600, IPC-6012 or equivalent

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 comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, or stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• 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
• Able to travel for business up to 10%

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…? [e-mail].