PCB Technician (Starlink)

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX’s Starlink Team is hiring a PCB Technician to join a hands-on manufacturing environment focused on printed circuit board production. You will operate complex equipment, monitor processes, and perform chemical handling to achieve output and quality goals.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting with maintenance and engineering, maintaining lab calibration, and ensuring safety and 5S standards in a fast-paced setting across multiple shifts in Bastrop, Texas.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 6+ months of hands-on technical experience in automotive, electronics, or high-volume manufacturing, or an associate's degree in a STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment and run startup/shutdown procedures.
• Perform process monitoring, chemical analysis, and adjustments to meet output/quality goals.
• Troubleshoot with maintenance/engineering to reduce downtime and improve yield.
• Maintain calibration of lab equipment and manage consumables inventory.
• Follow 5S and safety standards and read manufacturing work instructions.

Skills

PCB knowledge

Hands-on technical

Equipment operation

Quality inspection

Chemical handling

Microsoft Office

Communication

IPC standards

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Associate's degree in STEM

Tools

MES/ERP software

Lab equipment tools

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 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 Technician, you will be working on the many processes within printed circuit board manufacturing in the Starlink factory. This is a versatile and highly skilled, hands‑on manufacturing job that includes operating production equipment, performing quality inspections, performing chemical analysis and additions, and handling chemical materials to meet the goals for output and quality. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in an electro‑chemical manufacturing environment and is motivated by Starlink’s mission to provide high speed, low‑latency connectivity across the globe.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute startup and shutdown procedures for production equipment
• Monitor process conditions, equipment, and control systems for state-of-the-art PCB manufacturing which may include metal plating lines, copper etching lines, soldermask printers, water treatment systems, plasma etching systems, laser or mechanical drilling machines, and lamination ovens
• Perform necessary interventions to maintain process parameters, including chemical analysis, additions, recipe changes, and machine adjustments
• Perform first-level troubleshooting, provide feedback, and work with maintenance and engineering teams to drive root cause of equipment downtime
• Track 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
• Perform training of production personnel
• Ensure lab equipment is maintained and calibrated
• Maintain inventory of consumables
• Safely handle chemicals and chemical handling equipment (including transport and loading)
• Clean chemical processing equipment, machine parts, and tools
• 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, such as 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
• 6+ months of experience in a hands‑on technical field such as automotive, electronics, or other high‑volume manufacturing industry, or an associate's degree in a STEM field

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electro-chemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication (including school projects, clubs, or internships)
• Proficiently use a computer and Microsoft Office suite
• Experience working in a wet lab
• Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, or other 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 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, and 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 Affinitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].