Process Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis) - Day Shift

SpaceX•Canandaigua, NY

10h•$100,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Akoustis, a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX, produces RF filters using patented XBAW technology. This Process Engineer position supports RF filter production for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation and defense communications portfolio. The role sustains and monitors manufacturing processes to improve yield, quality, and efficiency. The position is 100% onsite at the Canandaigua, New York facility and requires working in a fast-paced cleanroom environment. The schedule is expected to evolve: initially, normal working hours, likely for the remainder of 2026, with a stated day shift of 8 AM–5 PM Monday through Friday. Likely starting in 2027, the employee will transition to either A-Shift (6 AM–6 PM Sunday through Tuesday and every other Wednesday) or B-Shift (6 AM–6 PM Thursday through Saturday and every other Wednesday); start and end times may change. Extended hours and weekends may be needed to meet critical milestones. The listed annual pay ranges are $100,000–$140,000 for Process Engineer/Level I and $115,000–$170,000 for Process Engineer/Level II. Actual level and base salary are determined case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The total rewards package may also include long-term incentives, potential discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage; a 401(k) plan; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; discounts and perks; accrued paid vacation; paid holidays; and paid sick leave.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics.
At least 1 year of experience with semiconductor fabrication processes or statistical process control; internship, extracurricular, or academic experience is applicable.
Ability to work in a fast-paced cleanroom environment and address critical production issues.
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
Aptitude to work as part of a team and independently.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a semiconductor- or science-related field, such as materials science, chemical or electrical engineering, microelectronics, nanotechnology, chemistry, or physics.
Proficiency with metrology and failure analysis techniques.
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 participating in quality audits and yield improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop processes to improve efficiency and yield.
Analyze data, identify process deviations, and assist in root cause analysis to resolve issues.
Perform design of experiments to understand process mapping.
Recommend measures to reduce process variation and improve product quality and yield.
Assist operations and maintenance teams in maintaining, qualifying, and troubleshooting process and equipment issues.
Ensure safety and quality protocols are followed.
Review work center SPC charts.
Document process specifications and OCAPs.
Train operators and technicians.

Benefits

Potential long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various discounts and perks.
Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.