Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Crystal Growth
Core
Commissioning silicon ingot and wafer fab R&D lines, developing recipes for high-quality ingots/wafers for Starlink solar cells and Starship missions, and transferring stable processes to production.
Role type
Hands-on IC materials R&D technician (silicon crystal growth)
Builds
Silicon ingots and wafers for internal solar cell fabrication
Domain
Aerospace / Semiconductor manufacturing
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
silicon crystal growth, equipment commissioning, process development, DOE execution, equipment troubleshooting, material characterization, hazardous chemical handling, cleanroom protocols
Preferred skills
ICP-MS, GDMS, XRT, SEM/TEM, FTIR, resistivity mapping, minority carrier lifetime testing (PL)
Technologies
ICP-MS, GDMS, XRT, SEM/TEM, FTIR
Responsibilities
Drive equipment setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance; Prepare raw materials, seeds, and hot zone components for crystal growth; Execute DOEs and process trials to inform seeding techniques, recipe optimization, thermal management, impurity control, and defect mitigation; Perform silicon ingot and wafer characterization; Ensure 5S standards and cleanroom protocols are upheld; Participate in training exercises for production silicon growth technicians
Seniority
Mid-level, hands-on IC