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.
YIELD ENGINEER (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.
Akoustis supports the success of Starlink by supplying world-class RF filters manufactured to the highest levels of quality and reliability. At Akoustis, we are committed to manufacturing excellence, with a constant focus on yield improvement, cost control, and production throughput. We are seeking a driven, self-motivated yield engineer to join our semiconductor fabrication team, which focuses on producing high-performance RF filter devices. In this role, you will own FAB yield, identify trends, uncover root causes of excursions, and drive continuous improvements throughout the manufacturing process. This position offers the opportunity to make a highly visible, direct, and measurable impact in a dynamic, high-volume environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitor, analyze, and report on fab yields and RF test results to identify trends and catch anomalies
- Understand S-parameters, RF test and wafer probing
- Develop, implement, and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems, process capability (Cpk) analysis, Western Electric rules, and other statistical tools to quickly detect excursions and improvement opportunities
- Apply structured problem solving tools - such as 8D, PFMEA, DOE, multivariate and other advanced data analysis methods - to resolve excursion and optimize yield performance
- Lead and own improvement projects that drive FAB yield and performance to new levels
- Collaborate in cross-functional teams spanning a wide range of the company’s operations - such as process, device, product, quality & reliability, software, and design engineers
- Develop and own automated yield dashboards, pareto charts, and SPC tracking systems for continuous monitoring and real-time, data-based activities
- Create, maintain, and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engineering instructions, and documentation to ensure consistency and knowledge retention
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
- Experience in RF device testing, yield engineering, or semiconductor manufacturing
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability in data analysis, root cause identification, and yield correlation
- Solid understanding of SPC, DOE, 8D, and risk/change management processes
- Working knowledge of the interaction between semiconductor fabrication processes and device performance
- Familiarity with scripting and automation (e.g., JMP’s JSL, or Python) for test data analysis automation
- Proficiency with JMP statistical software, Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and KLayout CAD software
- Strong written, verbal, and organizational communication skills
- Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing environments involving frequent product changeovers and yield variation management
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:
Akoustis Test Engineer/Level I: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Akoustis Test Engineer/Level II: $95,000.00 - $130,000.00/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 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.
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].
Top Skills
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.
