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.
SMT SPECIALIST - 2ND SHIFT
We are looking for talented, creative, and driven specialists to drive manufacturing tools and processes. Join the Starlink printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) team and take ownership of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes that enable the high-volume production of electronics designed for spaceflight. This is a hands-on engineering support role where you will develop, optimize, and scale SMT processes to meet aggressive rate and quality targets.
You will bridge the gap between engineering and production — working closely with hardware engineers to improve manufacturability, rapidly troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-moving environment. If you thrive on solving complex manufacturing challenges and want to see your work launched into orbit, this role is for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Optimize PCBA manufacturing processes including paste print, pick-and-place, reflow, conformal coating, selective soldering, board wash, and inspection (X-ray, AOI, SPI, visual)
- Program, configure, and improve automated SMT equipment to maximize yield and throughput
- Design custom fixtures and tooling to improve process efficiency and ergonomics
- Perform Design of Experiments (DOE) and data analysis to drive process capability and yield improvements
- Train and mentor technicians on advanced equipment operation and troubleshooting
- Rapidly triage and resolve production issues while protecting design integrity and schedule
- Define equipment requirements and support validation for next-generation PCBA processes
- Identify and execute continuous improvement projects targeting yield, cycle time, and cost
- Partner closely with design engineering teams to provide real-time manufacturability feedback
- Execute new product introduction (NPI) for PCBA assemblies across multiple work centers
- Work with external support teams to guarantee the daily success of PCBA production safely, reliably, and at rate
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 2+ years of troubleshooting technical problems in a manufacturing environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware
- Hands on experience with optimizing SMT pick and place, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through hole soldering systems
- Software development, professional application power user, or competitive video gaming skills
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify subtle defects and maintain high-quality output in a high-volume environment
- Ability to collect and analyze data to improve processes and quality
- Positive attitude, strong team player, and willingness to provide constructive feedback to improve designs and tooling
- Previous aerospace, automotive, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing experience
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Pay range:
SMT Specialist /Level 1: $34.00 - $40.00/hour
SMT Specialist /Level 2: $38.00 - $45.00/hour
SMT Specialist /Level 3: $42.00 - $51.00/hour
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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Non-exempt Washington employees are eligible for sick leave in accordance with Washington's Sick Leave policies. 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.