Process Operations Technician (Starlink PCB) - Night Shift

As a Process Operations Technician (Starlink PCB) at SpaceX, your responsibilities include executing startup and shutdown procedures for production equipment, identifying and resolving process deviations, calibrating a wide array of equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. You'll also work closely with engineering teams to update operating procedures and identify continuous improvement opportunities for overall production efficiency.

To be considered for the Process Operations Technician position at SpaceX, you must have a high school degree or equivalent, with at least 2 years of hands-on technical experience. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with printed circuit boards, process parameters, and mechanical equipment, as well as proficiency in software like MS Office and production management systems. Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment are also essential.

The Process Operations Technician role at SpaceX on the Night Shift typically involves a schedule of 5 PM - 5 AM with a rotating shift pattern. Upon joining, new hires will initially train on the 1st shift before transitioning to the night schedule. Flexibility to work weekends and overtime as needed is also part of this role, as the evolving nature of production line work may require additional hours during peak demands.

Preferred skills for the Process Operations Technician job at SpaceX include experience with PCBs and microelectronics fabrication, an understanding of P&ID and schematic diagrams, and familiarity with handling hazardous chemicals safely. Familiarity with inventory management software and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are also beneficial for succeeding in this role.

A typical day for a Process Operations Technician at SpaceX involves monitoring equipment performance, conducting preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. You'll engage in team discussions to brainstorm improvements, manage the chemical inventory, and ensure compliance with safety protocols, all while working in a dynamic and innovative environment.

When answering this question, discuss specific projects or tasks you’ve handled involving PCBs. Emphasize your understanding of the production and testing processes, your familiarity with the materials and equipment used, and how you’ve contributed to improving yield or efficiency in those projects.

To effectively answer this, provide examples of how you’ve managed multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines. Discuss your approach to assessing urgency and importance, using tools or methods you might employ to stay organized, and how effective communication with your team plays a role in your prioritization process.

Highlight your understanding of safety protocols relevant to the chemical handling process. Mention specific protective gear you wear, your familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and how you ensure compliance with safety standards during day-to-day operations.

This is an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills. Provide details about a specific instance where you recognized a gap or inefficiency in a process, the actions you took to address it, and the resulting positive impact on productivity or quality.

When answering, outline your systematic approach to troubleshooting, including initial diagnostics, analyzing process parameters, and leveraging documentation such as schematic diagrams. Emphasize the importance of collaboration with the engineering team to drive successful resolutions.

Discuss specific technical skills that align with the job requirements, such as proficiency in using calibration instruments or understanding process control systems. Mention software experience, including MES or ERP systems, and your ability to adapt to new technologies.

In your response, explain a structured approach to investigating the failure, including identifying root causes, collaborating with your team to resolve issues, and implementing corrective actions to enhance future production quality measures.

Provide examples of how you've contributed to preventive maintenance schedules in previous roles. Discuss your understanding of why preventive maintenance is essential in a production setting and how it has helped avoid machine failures or production delays.

Share a specific instance where you took the initiative to train a colleague, detailing the tactics you used to ensure they understood the processes. Highlight the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in your approach to teamwork.

Discuss your familiarity with IPC standards such as IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012, explaining how these standards guide your work with PCBs. Provide examples of how adherence to these standards ensures quality and reliability in production.