SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Hardware Development Engineer, Gateway Failure Analysis (Starlink)

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

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Required skills

hardware development
failure analysis
reliability engineering
ground stations
electronics
mechanical
thermal analysis
antenna engineering
PCBAs
electrical bench testing

Nice to have

RF principles
circuit analysis
test equipment
oscilloscope
multimeter
electronic load

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Development Engineer for its Starlink program to focus on gateway failure analysis. This role involves designing, developing, and testing electronics for the world's largest satellite internet ground station network. Responsibilities include performing detailed failure analysis, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions. The engineer will work at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and antenna engineering to ensure hardware reliability under harsh environmental conditions. This position offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge R&D technology and complex engineering applications.

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, GATEWAY FAILURE ANALYSIS (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its 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 that provides 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, hundreds of gateway ground stations, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As a Hardware Development Engineer on Starlink, you’ll contribute to the design, build, and test electronics for the world's largest network of ground stations, which function as an intermediary between the satellites and our end-users to ensure smooth data transfer and transmission. You will sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna engineering - ultimately ensuring that our ground antenna hardware can withstand the harshest environmental conditions while maintaining reliable communication with millions of users on a global scale. This is an opportunity to work on cutting edge R&D technology, and some of the most complex applications of electrical and mechanical engineering in the industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, develop, and execute novel environmental, RF, mechanical, and electrical test solutions for our ground antenna electronics and payload

Perform detailed failure analysis of ground antenna hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions

Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test

Hands-on support of hardware through design qualification, production ramp, and ground network rollout

Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, silicon design) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware

Perform electrical bench testing of failures to replicate and inform mitigation of anomalies

Drive continual improvements to our designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both in the field and in the lab

Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline

1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships and co-ops acceptable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline

Experience with both electronics and mechanical design and analysis including knowledge of RF principles

Experience analyzing circuits and PCBAs, and developing functional test plans

Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)

Experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, humidity, shock & vibration

Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)

Thorough understanding of electronics reliability, manufacturing, and failure mechanisms

Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methods

Thorough understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

Occasional travel to ground network sites to support root cause investigations

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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