PCB Process Technician (Starlink)

SpaceX•Bastrop, TX

About The Position

SpaceX is developing Starlink, a global satellite broadband system designed to provide reliable internet access to communities and users worldwide. The PCB Process Technician will take ownership of production processes and equipment performance and reliability by monitoring process parameters, maintaining components, and identifying indicators of process instability or equipment malfunction. The role supports the development, implementation, and operation of equipment, facilities, treatment, and manufacturing process technologies required for high-volume production. The technician will operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate PCB manufacturing equipment and processes; support process improvement, yield, and cost objectives; and collaborate with engineers and other technicians on operating procedures, failure analysis, and manufacturing process development. The position also involves chemical handling and waste management, production inventory upkeep, staff training, and maintaining a safe, organized work area. This role requires shift availability, overtime and weekend work as needed, and work in a production environment involving hazardous chemicals. It may involve physical activity such as prolonged standing, ladder use, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and maneuvering in tight spaces. Business travel of up to 10% may be required. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least 1 year of experience working in a hands-on technical position.
Must be open to working all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed.
Must be available for one of the listed 12-hour shifts: A-Shift (5:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sunday–Tuesday and every other Wednesday); B-Shift (5:00 AM–5:00 PM, Thursday–Saturday and every other Wednesday); C-Shift (5:00 PM–5:00 AM, Sunday–Tuesday and every other Wednesday); or D-Shift (5:00 PM–5:00 AM, Thursday–Saturday and every other Wednesday).
Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
Must be comfortable working in a production environment with extensive use of hazardous chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents.
Must be able to perform physical activities that may include prolonged standing, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for a lab and electrochemical manufacturing environment.
Able to travel for business up to 10%.
Must satisfy U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electrochemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication; school projects, clubs, and internships count.
Experience working in a manufacturing environment or wet lab.
Experience with process parameters and engineering units for temperature, pressure, flow, and power.
Ability to read and understand P&ID and schematic wiring diagrams.
Proficiency using a computer and MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with mechanical equipment and systems, including isolating malfunctions, disassembling industrial machinery, and repairing or replacing bearings, gears, and structural components.
Experience with lockout/tagout, job hazard analysis, and hot-work permitting.
Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, or hazardous chemicals.
Experience using production and inventory management software such as MES/ERP.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for working with technicians and cross-functional teams.
Ability to identify and maintain priorities for tasks and projects while staying organized.
Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities, work independently, and perform in a fast-paced, challenging environment with minimal oversight.
Current or past certification for IPC-A-600, IPC-6012, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Execute startup and shutdown procedures for production equipment.
Identify equipment and process deviations and perform corrective actions.
Intervene as needed to maintain process parameters, including chemical analysis, additions, recipe changes, and machine adjustments.
Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate plating, etching, stripping, developing, surface treatment, and cleaning equipment.
Work with engineers and technicians to create operating procedures.
Use systems knowledge and documentation such as schematics and parts lists to create and maintain an efficient hardware inventory system, including procurement of critical spares.
Identify continuous-improvement opportunities for yield, performance, and cost.
Schedule and perform preventive maintenance and equipment and instrument calibration.
Perform dispositions and rework for nonconforming PCBs.
Provide feedback on failure modes and support engineering efforts to identify root causes of yield limiters.
Train new production staff.
Maintain inventory of consumables.
Safely handle chemicals and chemical-handling equipment, including transportation, loading, and unloading.
Collect, segregate, and transport waste from generation points to the hazardous waste storage area.
Recommend manufacturing process improvements and work with engineers to develop, implement, and refine processes, focusing on reducing cost and downtime and increasing yield.
Read, interpret, and follow technical documents and manufacturing work instructions.
Uphold 5S standards by maintaining a clean and organized work area.
Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.