Silicon Wafer R&D Technician — Space-Grade Fabrication

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Wafer Engineering in Bastrop, TX to partner with engineering on state-of-the-art silicon wafer fab R&D lines. You will develop and refine recipes for high-quality wafers used in solar cell fabrication for Starlink satellites and Starship programs.

You will be responsible for wafer fabrication equipment commissioning, process development, monitoring and troubleshooting, wafer characterization, and transferring stable processes to production

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certification.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or high-tech production (photovoltaics or silicon processing).
• 1+ years experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, and/or hazardous chemicals safely.
• Bachelor's or associate degree in a STEM field (preferred).
• 5+ years hands-on experience in silicon wafer manufacturing, focusing on slicing, cleaning, defect mechanisms, contamination control, and surface chemistry.
• Experience using and maintaining silicon wafer characterization techniques and equipment, including ICP-MS, GDMS, XRT, SEM/TEM, FTIR, resistivity mapping, and minority carrier lifetime testing (PL).
• Proven ability to understand and accurately follow complex manufacturing procedures and adhere to safety requirements; strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work closely with engineering, other technicians, and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Partner with engineering to rapidly bring online state-of-the-art silicon wafer fab development lines including slicing, grinding, cleaning, degumming, and inspection stations.
• Drive equipment commissioning, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Perform hands-on wafer processing tasks (ingot cropping, slicing, cleaning, degumming, surface conditioning) to produce low-defect, high-reliability wafers.
• Execute DOEs to optimize silicon recycling procedures and minimize contamination of raw materials.
• Test and evaluate supplier materials (slurries, wires, adhesives, wet process chemicals) through contamination analysis and performance checks.
• Perform silicon wafer characterization; ensure lab equipment is maintained and calibrated.
• Safely handle chemicals and adhere to all EHS protocols to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ensure 5S standards and cleanroom protocols are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Participate in training exercises for production silicon wafer fabrication technicians, as needed.

Skills

Semiconductor manufacturing

Cleanroom operations

Hazardous chemicals handling

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma

B.S./A.S. in STEM (preferred)

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 Wafer Engineering in Bastrop, TX to partner with engineering on state-of-the-art silicon wafer fab R&D lines. You will develop and refine recipes for high-quality wafers used in solar cell fabrication for Starlink satellites and Starship programs.

You will be responsible for wafer fabrication equipment commissioning, process development, monitoring and troubleshooting, wafer characterization, and transferring stable processes to production