Engineering Technician (Starlink/Akoustis)

About the role

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, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work helps further the impact that Starlink is already making for millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.

As an Akoustis Engineering Technician, you will take individual ownership or a supporting role of production processes and equipment at the state-of-the-art RF filter manufacturing facility in Canandaigua, NY, where we continually strive for the highest levels of quality with a focus on cost controls and production throughput.

The job requires you to work independently but involves frequent interaction with Akoustis Engineers and Operations in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where you are challenged with sustaining multiple processes in a high-mix environment, troubleshooting problems with equipment, running designed experiments for process improvements and developing new processes, new product introductions to the production line, and new equipment qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and demonstrate the ability to train Production Operators and Technicians on SOPs
• Assume primary ownership of area processes and equipment
• Obtain qualifications to operate area equipment
• Monitor SPC control charts for processes and equipment and be able to follow corrective actions when violations occur
• Support new product introductions and sustain existing products and processes
• Create and optimize process and metrology recipes
• Identify, contain, troubleshoot and partition quality problems associated with the area's toolset
• Drive continuous process improvements projects to enhance yield, reduce cycle time, and lower manufacturing costs
• Participate in cross functional teams
• Support Engineering and Maintenance by running experiments and summarizing results
• Define and execute design of experiments to understand process capabilities
• Document results and present results to technical staff
• Collaborate with quality and suppliers on quality issues

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent AND 4+ years of experience working as a production or engineering technician in the semiconductor, electronics, or manufacturing industry; OR associate's degree or greater in a STEM discipline AND 1+ years of experience working as a production or engineering technician in the semiconductor, electronics, or manufacturing industry

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate's degree, or greater in a STEM field and 8+ years of experience working as an engineering technician in the semiconductor/electronics manufacturing industry
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and JMP statistical software
• Solid understanding of SPC, DOE, and 8D problem solving
• Hands-on experience operating semiconductor manufacturing equipment
• Experience handling silicon wafers and the safe handling of chemicals.
• Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing environments involving frequent product changeovers
• Experience participating in ISO quality audits

Additional Requirements

• Work a large percentage of the day in a Cleanroom with strict adherence to Class 100 level gowning protocols.
• Work in an environment requiring strict adherence to workplace safety rules, where additional PPE is required in certain circumstances.
• Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule for this position will evolve over time:
• You will start with normal working hours (likely for the remainder of 2026)
• Day Shift: 8 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Friday)
• You will transition to ONE of the shifts below (likely starting in 2027, start/end times subject to change)
• A-Shift: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
• B-Shift: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• C-Shift: 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday) - eligible for 15% shift differential
• D-Shift: 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday) - eligible for 15% shift differential

Pay range

Akoustis Engineering Technician: $22.00 - $43.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.