Chemical Lab Technician (Starlink PCB)

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.

CHEMICAL LAB TECHNICIAN (STARLINK PCB)

SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers worldwide. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven technicians to drive manufacturing output and yield. You will have ownership of one or more process areas and will have the opportunity to directly impact Starlink’s products. You will have frequent interaction with engineering teams and leadership and will participate in developing and validating new equipment, processes, and technologies. The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, security, and user experience of the products that you will manufacture.

As a PCB Chemical Lab Technician, you will be working in a chemical and materials lab supporting printed circuit board manufacturing in the Starlink factory. This is a versatile and highly skilled, hands-on lab role that will involve performing chemical analysis and additions, as well as executing reliability test methods, while meeting goals for output and quality. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in an analytical lab setting within a manufacturing environment and is motivated by Starlink’s mission to provide high-speed, low latency connectivity across the globe.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Execute test methods and perform chemical analysis to support state-of-the-art PCB production lines

Partner with engineers to develop and document test procedures

Recommend improvements to lab processes and work with engineers to develop, implement, and refine processes with a specific focus on reducing cost and downtime and increasing yield

Provide feedback on failure modes and support engineering to drive root cause of yield limiters

Execute start-up and shutdown procedures for lab equipment

Track schedule for and perform preventive maintenance and calibration of equipment and instruments

Perform first level troubleshooting, provide feedback, and work with maintenance and engineering teams to drive root cause of equipment downtime

Ensure lab equipment is maintained and calibrated

Clean chemical processing equipment and tools

Maintain inventory of consumables

Ensure safety when handle chemicals (including transporting and loading) and chemical handling equipment

Collect, segregate, and transport waste from generation points to the hazardous waste storage area

Read, interpret, and follow technical documents

Ensure 5S standards are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area

Cross train on microsection analysis

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certification

1+ years hands-on chemical testing or Associate's degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a STEM field

Strong desire to technical knowledge

Experience in a wet chemistry lab performing titrations, photometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, or similar tests

Experience performing electrochemical analyses (i.e., CVS)

Experience performing PCB fabrication quality analyses

Familiarity with PCB failure modes (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012)

Experience working with LIMS software

Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, or hazardous chemicals

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work closely with engineering, 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be open to work all shifts, overtime and/or weekends as needed

Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule will evolve

Will start as 5 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Thursday)

Final permanent schedule: B-Shift: 5 AM - 5 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)

Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time

Must be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents

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

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.