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Crystal Growth Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... in CZ crystal growth or high-temperature oxide manufacturing Proven ability to independently ... process ownership mindset Desired Qualifications Associate degree in Engineering Technology ...

Job Summary As a leading supplier of infrared (IR) imaging, DRS NIS - Illinois is seeking a process engineer who will join the crystal growth team and be responsible for growth of HgCdTe active ...

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Crystal Growth Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do crystal growth process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for crystal growth process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Crystal Growth Process Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectCrystal Growth Process EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, cleanroomsResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&D
Industry UsageSemiconductor, electronics, optics manufacturingResearch, development, and analysis across various industries
Primary FocusOptimizing crystal growth processes for productionStudying material properties and developing new materials

While both roles involve working with materials and crystals, the Crystal Growth Process Engineer focuses on the practical aspects of growing high-quality crystals for manufacturing, whereas the Materials Scientist emphasizes research and development of new materials and understanding their properties. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary objectives differ.

What are some common challenges faced by crystal growth process engineers during scale-up from laboratory to production environments?

Crystal Growth Process Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning crystal growth processes from a controlled laboratory setting to large-scale manufacturing. Maintaining crystal quality and consistency can be difficult due to variables such as temperature gradients, impurities, and equipment limitations that are magnified at scale. Additionally, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as materials scientists, equipment engineers, and quality assurance—is crucial to troubleshoot issues and optimize process parameters for stable, reproducible production. Proactive problem-solving and continuous process monitoring are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring reliable output in a production environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crystal growth process engineer?

To thrive as a Crystal Growth Process Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, solid-state physics, and chemical engineering, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree or advanced degree. Familiarity with crystal growth furnaces, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, and analytical tools such as XRD or SEM, as well as knowledge of process control software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the precise development of high-quality crystals and efficient collaboration in research or manufacturing environments.

What does a crystal growth process engineer do?

A Crystal Growth Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and managing processes that produce high-quality crystals used in various industries, such as semiconductors, optics, and materials science. They work with specialized equipment to control factors like temperature, pressure, and chemical composition to ensure the crystals grow with the desired properties. Their duties often include process development, troubleshooting, scaling up production, and collaborating with research and manufacturing teams.
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What cities are hiring for Crystal Growth Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Crystal Growth Process Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Crystal Growth Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Crystal Growth

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN, SILICON CRYSTAL GROWTH

As a Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Crystal Growth on Starlink, you will partner directly with engineering to rapidly bring online state-of-the-art silicon ingot and wafer fab R&D lines to develop and refine recipes for producing high-quality ingots and wafers. These wafers will feed internal solar cell fabrication for our next generation Starlink satellites and Starship missions to the Moon and Mars. You will be responsible for silicon ingot pulling equipment commissioning, recipe and process development, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, characterizing ingot and wafer quality, and transferring a stable process to the production teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with engineering to rapidly bring online state-of-the art silicon ingot and wafer fab development lines.
  • 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 associated lab equipment is maintained and calibrated.
  • Safely handle chemicals and adhere to all EHS protocols to maintain a safe work environment.
  • Ensure 5S standards and cleanroom protocols are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area.
  • Participate in training exercises for production silicon growth technicians, as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certification.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in silicon crystal growth, semiconductor, or similar, manufacturing.
  • Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, and/or hazardous chemicals safely.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor's or associate's degree in a STEM field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on work experience in silicon crystal growth manufacturing.
  • Experience using and maintaining silicon ingot/wafer characterization techniques and equipment, including ICP-MS, GDMS, XRT, SEM/TEM, FTIR, resistivity mapping, and minority carrier lifetime testing (PL).
  • Proven ability to understand and accurately follow complex manufacturing procedures and adhere to safety requirements; strong attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work closely with engineering, other technicians, and cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to identify and maintain priorities for work scope.
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working independently in a high-paced, challenging work environment with minimal oversight.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be open to work all shifts, overtime and/or weekends as needed.
  • Must be comfortable working in a production environment using hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents.
  • Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro-chemical manufacturing environment.
  • Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted.
  • Must be comfortable with climbing up and down ladders, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US