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. PROCESS ENGINEER - PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY (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, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work will help further the impact that Starlink is already making to 5M+ users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.
XBAW technology utilizes MEMS-based thin film transfer process, enabling a broad range of piezoelectric material synthesis and compositions tailored for specific application needs with enhanced material properties and an optimized resonator performance including superior figure of merit from coupling and Q factor. A photolithography engineer will manage photolithography equipment, drive yield and cost improvements, and collaborate with design and production teams to support a high-mix, high-reliability manufacturing environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement new photolithography processes and integrate them into the production flow.
- Drive continuous process improvement to enhance yield, reduce cycle time, and lower manufacturing costs.
- Sustain and optimize multiple existing photolithography processes across various products in a high-mix environment.
- Serve as tool owner for photolithography equipment, including exposure tools, resist coat/develop systems, and metrology instruments.
- Work closely with maintenance teams and tool vendors to troubleshoot and resolve tool and process issues.
- Collaborate with the design teams to establish ground rules and designs that optimize manufacturability.
- Lead the installation of new photolithography tools, including both capability-enhancing tools and capacity expansion tools.
- Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engineering instructions, and documentation related to lithography process control.
- Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to monitor, control, and improve processes.
- Apply structured problem-solving tools such as 8D, risk management, and change control systems to resolve and prevent recurring issues.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Microelectronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in photolithography process engineering within semiconductor manufacturing.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Microelectronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering.
- Proven experience with:
- ASML MUV Exposure Steppers
- TEL Clean Track resist coat/develop systems
- Polyimide coating
- Metrology tools for alignment, CD, film thickness, and defect analysis.
- Proficiency in JMP statistical software, Microsoft Office Suite, and KLayout CAD software.
- Strong written, verbal, and organizational communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to create detailed technical documentation and training materials.
- Solid understanding of SPC, DOE, 8D, and risk/change management processes.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects or tool installation programs.
- Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing environments involving frequent product changeovers.
- Experience in quality audits and yield improvement initiatives.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
- This position will sit 100% onsite in our Canandaigua, NY facility.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Process Engineer/Senior: $90,000.00 - $155,000.00/per year
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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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 [email protected].
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What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
