Sr. Yield Engineer, RF Final Test Integration (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX
Bastrop, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have RF test development experience and a background in semiconductor manufacturing.

Best fit for

  • Individuals with a passion for solving complex yield issues and process optimization
    — “passion for solving complex yield issues in a fast-paced, high-mix production
  • Professionals with statistical process control and yield correlation expertise
    — “statistical tools such as SPC and DOE to monitor, control, and improve yield

Things to consider

  • Must be eligible for U.S. Government export authorizations due to ITAR requirements
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident
  • Role involves travel for supplier and manufacturing support, up to 10% of time
    — “Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally for supplier and manufacturing support

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with RF BAW filters and test challenges in your resume and interview
    — “Familiarity with RF BAW filter technology and associated test challenges
  • Demonstrate proficiency in statistical process control and DOE methodologies
    — “Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC), DOE, and related quality improvement methodologies
  • Showcase scripting and automation skills with tools like Python or LabVIEW
    — “Familiarity with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB)
  • Emphasize your ability to lead and mentor test operators effectively
    — “Lead and mentor test operators, ensuring proper execution of test plans
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Developed and implemented RF test solutions
  • Identified and eliminated root causes of yield loss
  • Improved yield across manufacturing flow
Typical background
Electrical engineeringPhysicsMaterials science

Skills & requirements

Required

RF Test DevelopmentYield EngineeringStatistical Process ControlBAW Filter Technology

Preferred

DOESPC

Stack & domain

RF Test DevelopmentYield EngineeringSemiconductor ManufacturingSPCDOECost Of Ownership (coo) And Risk ModelsTest WorkflowsProcess ImprovementsTest ToolsSopsTest DocumentationCollaborationMentoringProblem-solvingCommunicationRF Device ManufacturingBAW Filter TechnologyWafer ProbeFinal Test Operations

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

SR.YIELD ENGINEER, RF FINAL TEST INTEGRATION (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)

Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX, providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary and connecting the world through Starlink. We design, build, launch, and operate the world's largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations. The root of SpaceX’s success so far lies in our mission to keep all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision-making, and speedy deliverables. With millions of daily users worldwide already online, Starlink is truly a game-changer and levels the playing field for those who were previously unconnected.

We are seeking a driven and detail-oriented Yield Engineer to join our RF device manufacturing team. This role focuses on correlating RF final test results with front-end wafer-level performance to identify and eliminate root causes of yield loss. You will be responsible for developing and implementing RF test solutions, managing test workflows, and driving process improvements across wafer probe and final test operations. The ideal candidate brings experience in RF test development, yield analysis, and statistical process control, with a passion for solving complex yield issues in a fast-paced, high-mix production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and implement RF test cases and calibration procedures for BAW filter devices operating in the 2 GHz to >10 GHz range

Establish strong linkages between wafer probe data and final RF test performance, driving root cause analysis of yield detractors

Use statistical tools such as SPC and DOE to monitor, control, and improve yield across the manufacturing flow

Develop and maintain Cost of Ownership (CoO) and risk models to evaluate probe test strategies and ensure effective test coverage

Sustain and optimize workflow and throughput in a high-mix RF test work center, driving continuous improvements in cycle time and cost

Collaborate with design teams to provide feedback on DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and yield optimization opportunities

Lead and mentor test operators, ensuring proper execution of test plans and maintenance of clean, organized workflows

Support installation and qualification of new test tools, including both capability enhancements and capacity expansions

Work closely with operation team and tool vendors to resolve equipment and process-related issues

Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engineering instructions, and test documentation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, materials science, or other STEM discipline

5+ years of experience in RF testing, yield engineering, or semiconductor manufacturing(internship or professional)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

10+ years of experience in RF test development or semiconductor yield engineering

Working knowledge of RF measurement principles, including S-parameters, insertion loss, return loss, and calibration

Familiarity with RF BAW filter technology and associated test challenges

Experience using automated probe stations, VNAs, and RF measurement tools

Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to perform data analysis, root cause analysis, and yield correlation

Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC), DOE, and related quality improvement methodologies

Familiarity with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) for test or data analysis is a plus

Ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a high-mix, fast-paced production environment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration across engineering, operations, and design teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones

Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally for supplier and manufacturing support

Ability to perform light physical tasks (lifting up to 25 lbs, handling packaging samples)

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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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