Sr. Process Engineer - Photolithography (Akoustis)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Canandaigua (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Join SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP as a Senior Process Engineer in Photolithography at our Canandaigua facility. You will manage and improve photolithography processes, drive yield enhancements, and work closely with design and production teams to support the manufacturing of advanced RF filters. This role requires a strong foundation in engineering principles and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a high-reliability manufacturing environment.

Benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

Paid parental leave

Company stock options and bonuses

Paid vacation and holidays

Short and long-term disability insurance

Employee discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in photolithography process engineering.
• Strong ability to create technical documentation and training materials.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement new photolithography processes.
• Drive continuous process improvement and enhance yield.
• Collaborate with design teams to optimize manufacturability.

Skills

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Design of Experiments (DOE)

Structured Problem-Solving

Technical Documentation

Communication Skills

Education

BS degree in Chemical Engineering

BS degree in Microelectronics Engineering

BS degree in Electrical Engineering

BS degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

ASML MUV Exposure Steppers

TEL Clean Track resist coat/develop systems

Metrology tools

JMP statistical software

Microsoft Office Suite

KLayout CAD software

Job description

Sr. Process Engineer - Photolithography (Akoustis)

Canandaigua, NY

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SR. PROCESS ENGINEER - PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY (AKOUSTIS)

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. Our work will help further the impact that Starlink is already making to 5M+ users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.

XBAW technology utilizes MEMS-based thin film transfer process, enabling a broad range of piezoelectric material synthesis and compositions tailored for specific application needs with enhanced material properties and an optimized resonator performance including superior figure of merit from coupling and Q factor. A photolithography engineer will manage photolithography equipment, drive yield and cost improvements, and collaborate with design and production teams to support a high-mix, high-reliability manufacturing environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement new photolithography processes and integrate them into the production flow.
• Drive continuous process improvement to enhance yield, reduce cycle time, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Sustain and optimize multiple existing photolithography processes across various products in a high-mix environment.
• Serve as tool owner for photolithography equipment, including exposure tools, resist coat/develop systems, and metrology instruments.
• Work closely with maintenance teams and tool vendors to troubleshoot and resolve tool and process issues.
• Collaborate with the design teams to establish ground rules and designs that optimize manufacturability.
• Lead the installation of new photolithography tools, including both capability-enhancing tools and capacity expansion tools.
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engineering instructions, and documentation related to lithography process control.
• Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to monitor, control, and improve processes.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools such as 8D, risk management, and change control systems to resolve and prevent recurring issues.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Microelectronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in photolithography process engineering within semiconductor manufacturing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Microelectronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering.
• Proven experience with:
• ASML MUV Exposure Steppers
• TEL Clean Track resist coat/develop systems
• Polyimide coating
• Metrology tools for alignment, CD, film thickness, and defect analysis.
• Proficiency in JMP statistical software, Microsoft Office Suite, and KLayout CAD software.
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create detailed technical documentation and training materials.
• Solid understanding of SPC, DOE, 8D, and risk/change management processes.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects or tool installation programs.
• Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing environments involving frequent product changeovers.
• Experience in quality audits and yield improvement initiatives.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
• This position will sit 100% onsite in our Canandaigua, NY facility.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Process Engineer/Senior: $90,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

• 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 .

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Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail] .

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