Equipment Operator (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX is hiring an Equipment Operator (Starlink/Akoustis). Level rates it ; you can apply on SpaceX.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Tools and skills the posting cites include Microsoft Office, cleanroom and equipment operation.
Level classifies it as a mid-level role.
Level lists 2,800+ other open roles at SpaceX.

AI in this role

Operate complex semiconductor and RF filter manufacturing equipment in a cleanroom environment for SpaceX/Starlink.

Microsoft Office

cleanroomequipment-operationmanufacturingrf-filters

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)

Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work helps further the impact that Starlink is already making on millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.

This equipment operator position supports RF filter production for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation and growing defense communications portfolio. You will operate and monitors complex equipment to fabricate high quality devices in a cleanroom environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operate process equipment to fabricate and characterize devices
Follow work instructions detailed in Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Document production and statistical process control data
Ensure safety and quality protocols are followed
Communicate issues and suggest improvements to lead or supervisor
Cross train across multiple tool sets
Understand workflow through work center
Understand tool operation and error messages
Keep a clean, organized, and thoroughly maintained workspace
Put safety as number one priority

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate’s degree in technical discipline
Experience working in an electro-mechanical manufacturing company, a precision manufacturing company, or high-volume manufacturing company
Experience with wafer/semiconductor handling
Ability to read, interpret, and work from drawings and controlled documentation such as: layout drawings, mechanical drawings, assembly procedures/work instructions, schematics, engineering drawings, and parts lists
Ability to proficiently use a PC, Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Office suite
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent attention to detail
Good communication and interpersonal skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work in a cleanroom environment for extended periods
Ability to follow PPE and safety protocols
Due to the nature of production line bring-up, the work schedule for this position will evolve over time:
- You will start with normal working hours (likely for the remainder of 2026)
  - Day Shift: 8 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Friday)
- You will transition to ONE of the shifts below (likely starting in 2027, start/end times subject to change)
  - A-Shift: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
  - B-Shift: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
  - C-Shift: 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday) – eligible for 15% shift differential
  - D-Shift: 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday) – eligible for 15% shift differential

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Production Associate/Equipment Operator Level I: $20.00/hour Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

How we rate this

Equipment Operator (Starlink/Akoustis) at SpaceX rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Equipment Operator (Starlink/Akoustis) is an open job at SpaceX.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The role is based in Canandaigua, NY.
The job was posted on July 10, 2026.
Seniority: mid.
Applications are handled by SpaceX. Apply on SpaceX

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

CleanroomEquipment OperationManufacturingRf FiltersMicrosoft Office

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where cleanroom was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where equipment operation was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where manufacturing was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where rf filters was part of your work. What did you do?
Walk me through how you've used Microsoft Office in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Cleanroom, Equipment Operation, Manufacturing, Rf Filters, and Microsoft Office. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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