ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Silicon Wafer Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician - Level 4/5

Bastrop, TX

$19.50 - $26/hr

You will be responsible for silicon wafer fabrication equipment commissioning, process development, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, characterizing wafer quality, and transferring a stable ...

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician - Level 4/5

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

You will be responsible for silicon wafer fabrication equipment commissioning, process development, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, characterizing wafer quality, and transferring a stable ...

Merit

Wafer Manufacturing Technician I

South Jordan, UT · On-site

... silicon wafers. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED Maintains safety standards in area. Keeps multiple ... Uses judgement to identify any product concerns during processing. Performs basic disposition of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSilicon Wafer Processing Jobs

Silicon Wafer Processing information

See salary details

$14

$21

$31

How much do silicon wafer processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for silicon wafer processing in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Silicon Wafer Processing vs Semiconductor Equipment Technician?

AspectSilicon Wafer ProcessingSemiconductor Equipment Technician
CredentialsTechnical certifications, associate degrees in electronics or materials scienceTechnical certifications, associate degrees, or technical training in equipment maintenance
Work EnvironmentCleanroom environments focused on wafer fabricationManufacturing floors with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Industry UsageUsed in semiconductor fabrication plants for wafer productionSupports wafer processing by maintaining and repairing equipment

Silicon Wafer Processing involves the fabrication and handling of silicon wafers in cleanroom settings, focusing on processes like doping, etching, and deposition. Semiconductor Equipment Technicians maintain and repair the machinery used in wafer processing. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, Silicon Wafer Processing emphasizes process execution, whereas Equipment Technicians focus on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

What is silicon wafer processing?

Silicon wafer processing is the set of manufacturing steps used to turn raw silicon into semiconductor wafers that are used in electronic devices. This process includes crystal growth, wafer slicing, surface polishing, and a series of treatments such as doping, oxidation, photolithography, etching, and deposition. Each step is crucial for creating the tiny electronic circuits found in modern integrated circuits and microchips. Precise control and cleanliness are essential to ensure high-quality, defect-free wafers for use in the semiconductor industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Silicon Wafer Processing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Silicon Wafer Processing, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor manufacturing principles, cleanroom protocols, and quality control, often backed by a degree or technical training in engineering or materials science. Familiarity with photolithography equipment, etching tools, and process control systems—plus certifications like Six Sigma—are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise manufacturing, minimize defects, and support efficient, high-yield wafer production in a highly technical environment.

What are the most common challenges faced in a silicon wafer processing role, and how can they be managed effectively?

In silicon wafer processing roles, common challenges include maintaining cleanroom standards, ensuring process consistency, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Operators must rigorously follow protocols to prevent contamination, as even minor particles can affect wafer quality. It’s also important to work closely with engineering and quality assurance teams to quickly address process deviations or yield issues. Staying proactive about equipment maintenance and regularly updating technical skills can help manage these challenges effectively and contribute to a smoother workflow.
Infographic showing various Silicon Wafer Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 14% Full Time, and 81% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,984 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Wafer Engineering

Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Wafer Engineering

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Other

Posted 11 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN, SILICON WAFER ENGINEERING

As a Materials R&D Technician, Silicon Wafer Engineering on Starlink, you will partner directly with engineering to rapidly bring online state-of-the-art silicon wafer fab R&D lines to develop and refine recipes for producing high-quality 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 wafer fabrication equipment commissioning, process development, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, characterizing wafer quality, and transferring a stable process to the production teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with engineering to rapidly bring online state-of-the art silicon wafer fab development lines that include wafer slicing, grinding, cleaning, degumming, and inspection stations.
  • Drive equipment commissioning, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
  • Perform hands-on wafer processing tasks (ingot cropping, slicing, cleaning, degumming, surface conditioning) to produce low-defect, high-reliability wafers.
  • Execute DOEs to optimize silicon recycling procedures and minimize contamination of raw materials.
  • Test and evaluate supplier materials (slurries, wires, adhesives, wet process chemicals) through contamination analysis and performance checks.
  • Perform silicon 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 wafer fabrication technicians, as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent certification.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or high-tech production (photovoltaics or silicon processing).
  • 1+ years of 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 experience in silicon wafer manufacturing, with focus on slicing, cleaning, defect mechanisms, contamination control (metallic, organic, particulate), and surface chemistry.
  • Experience using and maintaining silicon 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.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply