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.
RF ENGINEER, HARDWARE RELIABILITY (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 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 an electrical engineer on the Starlink hardware reliability team, you'll sit at the intersection of electrical, firmware, RF, and manufacturing engineering. You will be responsible for hardware failure analysis, root cause, and driving for design and process changes to improve hardware reliability across our various devices. Your focus will be on product launches and field returns. The team works on a wide range of technical disciplines including high-speed digital communication, RF systems, power electronics, PCBA manufacturing, cabling, connectors, and test boards for electrical piece part failure analysis.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own qualification and test of new electrical designs and SMT manufacturing lines for high volume production
- Perform hands-on debugging to drive to root cause and corrective action of failed phased-array antenna, Wi-Fi router, power supply PCBAs, and cables. Failures may be observed in test, production, or the field
- Utilize advanced diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, x-ray machines, logic analyzers, and custom firmware scripts to root cause electronics
- Develop tools and identify equipment to enhance the team’s capabilities in swiftly root causing electronics
- Run hardware failure investigations under high pressure, coordinating efforts across multiple teams, and communicating findings to leadership
- Run data analyses on telemetry to further understand the failure landscape
- Drive design and process changes to improve the reliability of the hardware based on test, production, or field failures
- Perform electrical bench testing and develop engineering models of failures to replicate and inform mitigation of anomalies
- Drive root cause of PCBA production yield issues and prevent factory escapes of defective hardware
- Document failure modes and use data to continually improve reliability
- Partner with design, software, test, and manufacturing engineering teams to deliver reliable hardware to customers by informing product/hardware design and test coverage
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or computer engineering
- 1+ years experience working with digital or mixed-signal designs, using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and/or soldering equipment (includes internships and school projects)
- Experience with PCBA manufacturing processes and assembly such as SMT reflow, wave solder, and selective solder
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 1+ years experience in consumer electronics or similar industry
- Experience troubleshooting electronics hardware and/or RF communication systems
- Demonstrated capability to jump into ill-defined problems and drive positive outcomes
- Familiarity with programming and automation/scripting languages or ability to quickly learn them (i.e. Python, C++, SQL)
- Proficiency in understanding PCB schematics and layout tools
- Experience with engineering projects in any one or more of the following areas: CPU/FPGA/ASIC circuit boards, linux, high-speed interfaces, memories, and/or low-power platforms
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Self-starter attitude, energy, and the ability to communicate effectively across business and technical discipline
- Experience in a fast-paced, iterative design environment within the consumer electronics, mobile handset, medical devices, aerospace, marine or automotive industries
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
- Must be willing to travel up to 30% for work
- Must be willing to relocate to the Bastrop, TX area if not already local. Remote or hybrid work not considered
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.