Sr. Yield Engineer, RF Final Test Integration (Starlink/Akoustis)

About the role

SpaceX, through its wholly owned subsidiary Akoustis, is seeking a driven and detail‑oriented Yield Engineer to join the RF device manufacturing team. The role focuses on correlating RF final test results with front‑end wafer‑level performance to identify and eliminate root causes of yield loss. You will develop and implement RF test solutions, manage test workflows, and drive process improvements across wafer probe and final test operations for BAW filter devices used in Starlink.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement RF test cases and calibration procedures for BAW filter devices operating in the 2 GHz to >10 GHz range.
• Establish strong linkages between wafer probe data and final RF test performance, driving root‑cause analysis of yield detractors.
• Use statistical tools such as SPC and DOE to monitor, control, and improve yield across the manufacturing flow.
• Develop and maintain Cost of Ownership (CoO) and risk models to evaluate probe test strategies and ensure effective test coverage.
• Sustain and optimize workflow and throughput in a high‑mix RF test work center, driving continuous improvements in cycle time and cost.
• Collaborate with design teams to provide feedback on DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and yield optimization opportunities.
• Lead and mentor test operators, ensuring proper execution of test plans and maintenance of clean, organized workflows.
• Support installation and qualification of new test tools, including both capability enhancements and capacity expansions.
• Work closely with operations team and tool vendors to resolve equipment and process‑related issues.
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engineering instructions, and test documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, materials science, or another STEM discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in RF testing, yield engineering, or semiconductor manufacturing (internship or professional).

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in RF test development or semiconductor yield engineering.
• Working knowledge of RF measurement principles, including S‑parameters, insertion loss, return loss, and calibration.
• Familiarity with RF BAW filter technology and associated test challenges.
• Experience using automated probe stations, VNAs, and RF measurement tools.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to perform data analysis, root‑cause analysis, and yield correlation.
• Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC), DOE, and related quality improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) for test or data analysis is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and cross‑functionally in a high‑mix, fast‑paced production environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration across engineering, operations, and design teams.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
• Ability to travel up to 10 % domestically and internationally for supplier and manufacturing support.
• Ability to perform light physical tasks (lifting up to 25 lb, handling packaging samples).

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, an asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.