Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Wafer Engineering

Bastrop, TXfull time

On Site

mid

H1B: no

SpaceX Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Wafer Engineering at SpaceX partners with engineering to develop and refine silicon wafer fabrication processes for Starlink satellites and Starship missions. The role includes equipment commissioning, process development, wafer characterization, and training production technicians.

Responsibilities

Partner with engineering to rapidly bring online state-of-the art silicon wafer fab development lines that include wafer 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 associated 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.

Qualification

Strong interpersonalADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Required

High school diploma or equivalent certification.
3+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or high-tech production (photovoltaics or silicon processing).
1+ years of experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, and/or hazardous chemicals safely.

Preferred

Bachelor's or associate's degree in a STEM field.
5+ years of hands-on experience in silicon wafer manufacturing, with focus on slicing, cleaning, defect mechanisms, contamination control (metallic, organic, particulate), 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.
Ability to identify and maintain priorities for work scope.
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working independently in a high-paced, challenging work environment with minimal oversight.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: