Production Associate (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX; Town of Canandaigua (NY); Hybrid; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Canandaigua, NY, is seeking a Production Associate to support RF filter production for SpaceX’s Starlink and defense portfolio. You will operate and monitor complex equipment in a cleanroom, following MES instructions and maintaining safety and quality standards.

The role requires a high school diploma; an Associate’s degree in a technical discipline is preferred. Shift changes and a base hourly pay of $22.00 are at play, with comprehensive benefits and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline preferred.
• Experience in electro‑mechanical or precision/high‑volume manufacturing is plus.
• Experience with wafer/semiconductor handling.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from drawings and controlled documentation.
• Proficient PC use, Windows and MS Office.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate process equipment to fabricate and characterize devices.
• Follow work instructions detailed in MES.
• Document production and SPC data.
• Ensure safety and quality protocols are followed.
• Communicate issues and improvements to lead or supervisor.
• Cross‑train across multiple tool sets.
• Understand workflow through work center and tool operation.

Skills

Wafer handling

Attention to detail

Communication

Reading drawings

PC proficiency

MES familiarity

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in technical discipline

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Office

Job description

Production Associate (Starlink/Akoustis)

Canandaigua, NY

Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing industry‑leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi‑planetary, while also connecting the world through Starlink. This production associate position supports RF filter production for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation and growing defense communications portfolio. You will operate and monitor complex equipment to fabricate high quality devices in a cleanroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate process equipment to fabricate and characterize devices
• Follow work instructions detailed in Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Document production and statistical process control data
• Ensure safety and quality protocols are followed
• Communicate issues and suggest improvements to lead or supervisor
• Cross‑train across multiple tool sets
• Understand workflow through work center
• Understand tool operation and error messages
• Keep a clean, organized, and thoroughly maintained workspace
• Put safety as number one priority

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline
• Experience working in an electro‑mechanical manufacturing company, a precision manufacturing company, or high‑volume manufacturing company
• Experience with wafer/semiconductor handling
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from drawings and controlled documentation such as layout drawings, mechanical drawings, assembly procedures/work instructions, schematics, engineering drawings, and parts lists
• Ability to proficiently use a PC, Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment for extended periods
• Ability to follow PPE and safety protocols
• Due to the nature of production line bring‑up, the work schedule for this position will evolve over time:
  • You will start with normal working hours (likely for the remainder of 2026):
    • Day Shift: 8 AM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday)
  • You will transition to one of the shifts below (likely starting in 2027, start/end times subject to change):
    • A‑Shift: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday – Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
    • B‑Shift: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thursday – Saturday and every other Wednesday)
    • C‑Shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM (Sunday – Tuesday and every other Wednesday) – eligible for 15% shift differential
    • D‑Shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM (Thursday – Saturday and every other Wednesday) – eligible for 15% shift differential

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:
Production Associate Level I: $22.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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.