CHEMICAL LAB SPECIALIST, PCB (STARLINK)

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 SPECIALIST, PCB (STARLINK)

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 Specialist, 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
• Work 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
• Safely 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math or science discipline OR high school diploma or equivalency certificate and 3+ years of professional experience in chemical testing in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's or associate's degree in a STEM field
• Strong desire to expand technical knowledge
• Experience in a wet chemistry lab performing titrations, photometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, or similar tests
• Experience performing electrochemical analyses (i.e., CVS)
• Previous 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 willing to begin work training on 1st shift (5:00 AM–5:00 PM) for initial 30 days
• Must be willing to work one of the following schedules upon completion of training (B shift preferred):
  • 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)
  • D-Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends as needed
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be able to lift up to of 25 lbs. unassisted
• 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
• Willing to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for potentially extended periods of time including international

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.

 

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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 to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.