Hardware Development Engineer (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.

HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, PCBA MANUFACTURING (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process engineering position responsible for PCBA manufacturing for Starlink hardware
• Manage new product introduction of PCBA assemblies, qualifying new equipment, designing line layout, designing tooling, working closely with design engineers, and driving design for manufacturing (DFM) feedback
• Implement, simplify, and automate high reliability manufacturing processes such that the production teams can operate independently of engineering
• Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability
• Drive processes for volume production of PCBA including manufacturing execution, nonconforming product management, configuration management, traceability tracking, yield improvement, and process control
• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and process training

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, manufacturing engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in at least one of the following areas: manufacturing process engineering, surface mount technology (SMT), accelerated testing, design for reliability, or PCB design and layout

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.) or ramping of a production line as part of a cross-functional team
• Hands-on experience working in SMT processes and/or related PCBA processes. Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and manufacturing metrics (e.g., CPK, yield, OEE) in production environments
• Demonstrated track record in developing new processes, improving efficiencies, and successfully transferring to production in a rapidly growing, fast-paced environment
• Competency with SQL, Python
• Experience with NX or other CAD software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 Ibs. unassisted
• Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:             

Pay range:       

Hardware Engineer/ Level I: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year     

Hardware Engineer/ Level II: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00/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.