Okay, I've searched for Senior BAW Device Engineer roles in Huntersville, NC requiring 5+ years of semiconductor or MEMS experience, a Master's degree or higher, and full-time schedule. I have found 12 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Sr. BAW Device Engineer at Akoustis, a SpaceX subsidiary, is fundamentally hired to advance the performance and manufacturability of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators essential for RF filter technology, which directly supports the broader mission of SpaceX’s Starlink connectivity efforts. This role intricately blends advanced simulation, experimental design of experiments (DOE), and process integration to optimize resonator characteristics such as figure of merit, coupling, and Q factor. The emphasis on FEM simulations (COMSOL, HFSS) and the understanding of equivalent circuit modeling shows that this role requires both deep theoretical understanding of RF device physics and practical engineering acumen to translate simulations into yield-driven manufacturing improvements. The candidate will face challenges involving multi-parameter optimization, integration of thin film MEMS processes, and rigorous statistical analysis to boost yield and reduce cycle times in a high-stakes, innovative environment. Success looks like achieving demonstrable improvements in resonator efficiency, enabling faster, leaner development of filters that meet stringent reliability and performance standards. Autonomy is significant here given the advanced technical scope and experimental design demands; the engineer must navigate complexity, technical ambiguities, and cross-functional dependencies—particularly with filter design and process teams—to deliver impactful outputs within critical project timelines, sometimes requiring extended work hours.

Company Analysis:

SpaceX, a trailblazing leader in aerospace and space exploration, offers a dynamic environment where cutting-edge technology meets an audacious mission: enabling human life beyond Earth. Operating Akoustis as a wholly owned subsidiary, SpaceX leverages specialized RF filter technology to enhance the Starlink satellite internet network, reflecting the company’s commitment to both technological innovation and global connectivity. This role exists within a culture that prizes meritocracy, relentless problem-solving, and mission-driven work. Candidates will find themselves in a fast-paced, innovation-driven setting where technical excellence directly fuels breakthrough capabilities in space and communication industries. The role, stationed onsite in Huntersville, NC, likely reports within a specialized engineering group focused on device and materials innovation, affording moderate visibility but requiring strong cross-functional collaboration. Given SpaceX’s growth trajectory and the strategic importance of Starlink’s expansion, this position is a strategic hire aimed at scaling advanced RF device technology performance and manufacturing efficiency, contributing directly to a critical product line that supports global connectivity and ultimately, humanity’s multiplanetary future. Success here demands adaptability, resilience under demanding schedules, and alignment with SpaceX’s bold culture and forward-looking vision.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to optimize a complex semiconductor device process under tight deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage conflicting requirements?
• Behavioral: Describe a situation where your statistical analysis revealed an unexpected insight that changed the direction of a project. How did you communicate and act on it?
• Behavioral: Give an example of how you have worked cross-functionally between device engineering and design teams to solve a challenging technical problem.
• Behavioral: SpaceX values working under high-pressure conditions. Can you share an experience where you managed extended hours and critical milestones effectively?
• Technical: How would you set up and validate a multiphysics simulation in COMSOL for a BAW resonator? What key parameters would you focus on to improve filter performance?
• Technical: Explain the role of equivalent circuit models in supporting RF filter designs and how you have applied them in previous work.
• Technical: What process integration challenges have you faced in thin film MEMS manufacturing, and how did you improve yield or cycle time?
• Technical: How do you approach designing and analyzing a Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize multiple resonator parameters simultaneously?
• Situational: Imagine your FEM simulation results show a discrepancy with experimental RF test data for a resonator. How would you approach identifying and resolving this issue?
• Situational: If a critical manufacturing milestone is at risk due to unresolved device yield issues, but leadership requests progress updates frequently, how would you balance technical problem-solving with communication demands?
• Situational: You’re tasked with improving the Q factor of an existing BAW resonator but constrained by current process capabilities. How would you strategize to push performance while respecting manufacturing limits?
• Company Fit: Why does the mission of SpaceX and Starlink resonate with you, and how do you see your role contributing to this vision?
• Company Fit: Akoustis operates at the intersection of RF device innovation and space communications. What excites you most about working in this niche, and how does it align with your career goals?
• Company Fit: SpaceX emphasizes a fast-paced, meritocratic work environment often requiring extended hours; how do you stay productive and motivated in such settings?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the team structure and collaboration dynamics involved in the BAW resonator development process at Akoustis?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest technical challenges currently facing the BAW device team, and how does this role aim to address them?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does SpaceX measure success in this role within the first 6 to 12 months, both technically and in broader strategic impact?