SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Sr. Hardware Reliability Engineer (Starlink Aviation)

Woodinville, WAInternshipSenior$135,000–$210,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

hardware reliability
manufacturing engineering
test engineering
failure analysis
root cause analysis
corrective action
process improvement
quality control
production system
Starlink Aviation

Nice to have

Python
SQL
data analysis
automation
statistical process control
high volume production

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Hardware Reliability Engineer for its Starlink Aviation team. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability and quality of aviation products throughout their lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to testing and fleet operation. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement test processes, investigate failures, drive corrective actions, and improve production systems. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, quality, or design engineering. Preferred qualifications include programming experience in Python, C, or SQL for data analysis and automation, and knowledge of quality tools like Lean, SPC, and DOE.

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.

SR. HARDWARE RELIABILITY ENGINEER (STARLINK AVIATION)

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 receivers 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.

As a Hardware Reliability Engineer on the Starlink Aviation team, you will be responsible for ensuring reliability and quality of our aviation products through design, manufacturing, test, and in the fleet.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design and execute on long term reliability test during the initial product development and qualification

Responsible partner with design engineering and manufacturing teams through product development and production to ensure manufacturability and process reliability for flight hardware

Develop, implement, and validate test and inspection processes for new and existing products, ensuring that criteria are objective and that design and reliability goals are consistently met

Execute projects to improve reliability partnering with design, software, test, manufacturing engineering, and production teams

Investigate anomalies and failures in test, production, and the fleet to identify the root cause and mitigate the immediate and underlying root causes to reduce risk and improve reliability of structural and electrical systems on the Starlink Aviation system (phased-array, Wi-Fi, harnessing, and power supply PCBAs)

Drive corrective actions to prevent factory escapes of defective hardware

Drive systematic process improvements to mitigate for potential failure modes

Contain suspect or known non-conforming product, providing guidance to quality inspectors, technicians, shop supervisors and engineers to assist in quarantining and rework activities

Support the shop floor in continuous improvement and the advancing of a autonomous production system through creation of standard rework/repair guides, removal of redundant or unnecessary inspection, and improved control and optimization of critical processes

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

5+ years in a manufacturing, quality and/or design engineering role (student project team or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation and mission of improving reliability in cutting-edge technology

Programming experience in Python, C or SQL with an emphasis on data analysis and automation

Proven success with instituting statistical process control and conducting design of experiments to understand process dependencies in high volume production environments

Demonstrated capability to think creatively and solve complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

Background in electrical engineering

Master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or materials engineering

Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem-solving approaches

Experience in a fast-paced, iterative design environment within the consumer electronics, mobile handset, medical devices, marine, aerospace, or automotive industries

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay Range:Level 3: $135,000.00 - $210,000.00

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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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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