SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Hardware Development Engineer, PCBA Manufacturing (Starlink)

Bastrop, TXFull TimeEntry-level (exp-based)Posted 2 months ago

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Required skills

PCBA
manufacturing engineering
SMT
accelerated testing
hardware debug
PCB design
layout
process capability analysis
Gauge R&R
manufacturing execution

Nice to have

high volume production
consumer goods
automotive
SMT processing
PCBA processes
IPC manufacturing standards

Role summary

The Starlink PCBA Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for developing, managing, and improving the PCBA manufacturing process within the production organization. This role involves designing production lines, working with equipment suppliers, and continuously enhancing product quality and reliability. Key responsibilities include owning PCBA manufacturing processes, driving volume production, managing new product introductions, and identifying opportunities for optimization. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 1 year of experience in manufacturing engineering, SMT, hardware debug, or PCB design. Experience with statistical techniques, Six Sigma, and failure analysis tools is preferred.

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)

The Starlink PCBA Engineer will work inside the production organization to develop, manage, and improve the PCBA manufacturing process. Starlink needs the ability to continuously improve the quality and reliability of its products and production lines. This role looks to design production lines suitable to meet necessary rate, work with equipment suppliers to install and validate new equipment, and continuously seeks to improve the production process. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools and have the motivation to work with supply chain to build a premium product at commercial scale volume.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own and manage PCBA manufacturing processes and PCBA products for in-house production

Drive processes for volume production of PCBA including manufacturing execution, nonconforming product management, configuration management, traceability tracking, and process control

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

Use process capability analysis, gauge R&R, and other tools to lead new equipment selection

Design and implement systems to improve the safety of the PCBA production line

Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training

Track schedule, work-in-progress levels, and defect rates of owned products

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

Provide feedback to the engineering design team to improve design for manufacturability

Identify, root-cause, and correct SMT production and testing issues

Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: manufacturing engineering, surface mount technology (SMT), accelerated testing, hardware debug/triage, design for reliability, or printed circuit board (PCB) design and layout (school and project experience will qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)

Hands-on experience working in SMT processing and/or related PCBA processes from industry, research, or academic projects

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment

Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards

Experience with SQL and Python

Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods such as experiment design, process capability analysis, and Gauge R&R

Experience with Six Sigma

Experience with basic failure analysis tools and methods (X-ray, cross-section, polishing)

Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and use data to drive systemic improvements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

Able to travel for business trips up to 10% on an ongoing basis

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.

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