Process Development Engineer

Who is Elve?

Elve, Inc is a deep-tech startup in Davis, CA, specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers. Our groundbreaking technology enables 100x faster wireless internet access in urban settings and remote locations, revolutionizing the future of wireless connectivity well beyond 5G. We are looking for process development engineers to join our team and contribute to the advancement of our technology. If you are passionate about RF electronics, microfabrication, precision assembly, and working on cutting-edge technology, then we want to hear from you!

Job Description

A process development engineer at Elve will be responsible for developing and optimizing manufacturing processes. You will work closely with the design and production teams to streamline workflows, improve yields, and reduce lead times. Your responsibilities will include designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, performing failure analysis, designing and implementing tooling, and reviewing and recommending equipment and services. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful transfer of new products and processes into production. In addition, you will also support process validation, troubleshooting, and training activities. This is a full-time salaried position that offers exciting opportunities for growth and learning.

Work Environment

May include the following:

• Manufacturing facility
• ISO 5 - ISO 7 Cleanroom
• Laboratory
• Office

Must have:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, materials science, manufacturing engineering, or relevant experience
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks), mechanical design, and GD&T
• Familiarity with a range of manufacturing processes (how stuff is made)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Hands-on experience with precision assembly
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Self-motivated, high energy and drive
• Curious, love to explore and learn

Good to have:

• Experience with RF electronics
• Experience with robotics / process automation
• Experience with coding (python, PLC's, etc)
• Experience with SPC / data analysis
• Experience with process validation and qualification
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment
• Familiarity with manufacturing standards and quality management systems (ISO e.g.)
• Experience performing failure analysis, cross-sectioning, metallography
• Experience with ultra-high vacuum systems

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, or related experience
• Basic hands-on tools experience
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR), to work in this role you must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about export control here.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary
• Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Vacation time
• A taste of the start-up life
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing.
• Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters-level engineers

What it’s like to work at Elve

We are a small team (for now!) on a mission to bring the next generation of high-speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements- we are gunning for orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm-wave RF amplifier market. We ask “dumb” questions all the time because we always have something to learn. We work really hard, make sure to get good sleep, handle conflict intentionally, and expect great things from each other.