Silicon Ingot & Wafer R&D Technician

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Crystal Growth, to partner with engineering on silicon ingot and wafer R&D lines. You will develop and refine recipes for high‑quality ingots and wafers for Starlink and Starship programs.

You will be responsible for equipment commissioning, process development, and characterization, ensuring safe handling of chemicals and adherence to cleanroom standards. This role supports production transfer and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency; 3+ years in silicon crystal growth or related manufacturing.
• Experience handling hazardous chemicals safely.
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in STEM preferred for advanced roles.

Responsibilities

• Partner with engineering to bring online silicon ingot and wafer fab development lines.
• Drive equipment setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Prepare raw materials, seeds, and hot zone components for crystal growth.
• Execute DOEs and process trials to inform seeding techniques and defect mitigation.
• Characterize ingot and wafer quality, and maintain lab equipment.
• Adhere to 5S standards and cleanroom protocols; ensure safe work environment.

Skills

Silicon crystal growth

DOE experiments

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in STEM

Tools

ICP-MS

GDMS

XRT

SEM/TEM

FTIR

Resistivity mapping

Minority carrier lifetime testing (PL)

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Crystal Growth, to partner with engineering on silicon ingot and wafer R&D lines. You will develop and refine recipes for high‑quality ingots and wafers for Starlink and Starship programs.

You will be responsible for equipment commissioning, process development, and characterization, ensuring safe handling of chemicals and adherence to cleanroom standards. This role supports production transfer and continuous improvement.