NPI Engineer, PCBA Manufacturing (Starlink)

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.

NPI ENGINEER, PCBA MANUFACTURING (STARLINK)

Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to 4M+ users worldwide.

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers and the software that brings it all together.

As a member of the Starlink Tooling and Automation team you will work with elite engineers on high impact applications to create the factory of the future for high volume satellite production that will maximize Starlink’s impact around the globe and beyond.

As an NPI Engineer for our PCBA Manufacturing team you will be responsible for developing manufacturing processes for our next generation of satellite PCBAs.

You will work closely with design and layout engineers to resolve manufacturing challenges and prepare the PCBA for volume manufacturing.

This role will cover all PCBA process from the SMT line to secondary operations such as selective solder, X-ray, press fit, staking/underfill, and conformal coat.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage new product introduction of PCBA assemblies, working closely with design engineers and process specialists.

  Developing and qualifying manufacturing processes.

• Drive design feedback to improve manufacturability of PCBAs.

• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training

• Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability

• Lead efforts to uncover root-cause and develop a permanent resolution on issues found during initial development builds

• Support the transition of products from development to volume production and identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, performance, and cost

• Prepare and maintain documentation required to ensure efficient production.

  Participate in design reviews to conduct DFM and DFT recommendations with innovative and cost-effective solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Hands on experience with optimizing SMT pick and place, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through hole soldering systems
• High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods such as experiment design
• Experience with SQL, Python
• Experience with Six Sigma
• Experience with basic failure analysis tools and methods (X-ray, cross-section, polishing)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and use data to drive systemic improvements
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be willing to work all shifts, over time, and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Hardware Engineer/ Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year

Hardware Engineer/ Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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.

Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.