Test Technician, Silicon Assembly (Starlink)

SpaceX
Bastrop, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward mid-level technicians comfortable with RF testing and semiconductor assembly in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Best fit for

  • Technicians with hands-on semiconductor testing experience and RF equipment proficiency.
    — “Perform wafer-level probing and testing using DC/RF probe stations
  • Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, high-impact problem-solving environments.
    — “if you thrive on solving difficult problems where resolutions have high impact
  • Individuals with strong manual dexterity for microminiature component rework.
    — “Excellent manual dexterity and the ability to perform rework on microminiature electronic components

Things to consider

  • Must be available for all shifts, including overtime and weekends.
    — “Must be able to work all shifts and be willing to work overtime and/or weekends
  • Physical demands include standing for long periods and lifting up to 25 lbs.
    — “Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders
  • Requires adherence to cleanroom protocols and ESD safeguards.
    — “Adhere to cleanroom protocols, ESD safeguards, and safety standards

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific experience with VNAs and spectrum analyzers in your resume.
    — “Proficiency with RF test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers
  • Demonstrate your ability to collaborate cross-functionally in past roles.
    — “Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve daily test volumes
  • Showcase any certifications like J-STD-001 in your application.
    — “J-STD-001 Certification is a plus
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid Level

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

What success looks like

  • RF package testing
  • cleanroom protocols
  • ESD safeguards
Typical background
semiconductor manufacturingRF testingcleanroom operations

Skills & requirements

Required

RF TestingSemiconductor TestingCleanroom ProtocolsESD Safeguards

Preferred

Wafer ProbingRF Package TestingBackend Assembled Package Testing

Stack & domain

Wafer-level ProbingRf Package TestingSemiconductor ManufacturingRf Test EquipmentVector Network AnalyzersRf ParametersCleanroom ProtocolsEsd SafeguardsSafety StandardsRf Cable FabricationRf Cable RepairRf Test SoftwareData LoggingAutomationBackend Assembled Package TestersDc/rf Probe StationsParametric AnalyzersS-parameter SweepsGain MeasurementsNoise Figure EvaluationsSort TestsBinningYield TrackingPerformance GradingThroughput MetricsSpc ChartsProduction ReportingDefect Trend AnalysisRf Package Test StationsTest SocketsHandlersRf ComponentsRf Cable CalibrationFixture CleaningProbe Contact VerificationRf Cable MaintenanceProblem-solvingAttention To DetailTeamworkAdaptabilityTime ManagementCommunicationLeadershipCuriosityCoachabilitySemiconductorRfWafer Probing

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.

TEST TECHNICIAN, SILICON ASSEMBLY (STARLINK)

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink satellite constellation, is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world.  In true SpaceX fashion, Starlink is taking the next step in vertical integration by bringing integrated circuit packaging and assembly in-house for development and manufacturing. You will work closely with IC packaging engineers, test engineers, equipment manufacturers and leadership. 

The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, and security of the products that you deliver. If you seek a fast-paced, dynamic environment; if you thrive on solving difficult problems where resolutions have high impact; and if you love the challenge of building something from scratch, then this role will be an ideal next career step. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Perform wafer-level probing and testing using DC/RF probe stations, parametric analyzers, and vector network analyzers (VNAs) to measure I-V characteristics, capacitance, RF insertion loss, and return loss on individual dies

Set up and operate RF package test stations, including test sockets, handlers, and vector network analyzers (VNAs), to execute parametric, functional, and high-frequency tests such as S-parameter sweeps, gain measurements, and noise figure evaluations

Load and unload packaged devices into automated test equipment (ATE), following recipes to run sort tests, binning, and data collection for yield tracking and performance grading

Perform basic inspections of test results using software interfaces to identify outliers or failures, generating simple defect reports and flagging issues for engineering review

Conduct routine equipment maintenance, such as calibrating RF cables, cleaning fixtures, and verifying probe contacts, to ensure accurate measurements and minimal downtime

Log test data, including throughput metrics and SPC charts, using software to support production reporting and defect trend analysis

Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve daily test volumes, and assist in simple setup changes or fixture preparations

Adhere to cleanroom protocols, ESD safeguards, and safety standards during handling of sensitive RF components

 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

6+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline 

3+ years of experience in wafer probing or RF package testing within a semiconductor manufacturing or test environment

Experience with Automated Wafer Probing Systems and Backend Assembled Package Testers

Knowledge of electrical theory including Digital, Analog, and RF Circuitry

Proficiency with RF test equipment, including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, along with understanding of semiconductor device physics and RF parameters

Proficiency with test software and data logging tools (e.g. Excel, JMP) 

Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses including: soldering, crimping, assembling connectors for bench testing and debugging and failure analysis; J-STD-001 Certification is a plus 

Excellent manual dexterity and the ability to perform rework on microminiature electronic components under a microscope 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Must be able to work all shifts and be willing to work overtime and/or 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 25 lbs. unassisted

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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