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Hardware Development Engineer, Failure Analysis (Starlink)

Location
Redmond, WA
Compensation
$105k–$145k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Requirements

Experience
1–3 years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Benefits

Health Insurance 401k Match Equity/Stock Options Parental Leave Sick Leave Paid Holidays Paid Vacation

Joblaze summary

In the role of Hardware Development Engineer for Starlink, the individual will focus on diagnosing and resolving hardware failures to enhance the reliability of satellite and ground station systems. Key skills include experience with electronic hardware, failure analysis, and proficiency in programming for test automation. This position is ideal for someone with a background in electrical engineering and at least one year of relevant experience, looking to contribute to innovative technology in a fast-paced environment.

Joblaze insights

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $105,000–$145,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
1–3 years of relevant experience for this Hardware Development Engineer, Failure Analysis (Starlink) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Mixed Signal Circuit Testing, Statistical Process Control, RS422, HALT, HASS, Digital Circuit Testing.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Hardware Development Engineer, Failure Analysis (Starlink) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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, FAILURE ANALYSIS (STARLINK)

As a Hardware Development Engineer for Starlink, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our satellites and ground stations. You will work on identifying, analyzing, and resolving hardware failures to improve the robustness and longevity of our PCBAs. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams including electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain to enhance the overall reliability of the Starlink network. This is an opportunity to work on cutting edge R&D technology, and some of the most complex applications of electrical engineering in the industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform detailed failure analysis of satellite and gateway hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
  • Utilize schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to conduct failure investigations on PCBAs and other electronic components.
  • Work closely with the respective test engineers for your products to keep a close feedback loop improving test assets.
  • Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions to address non-conforming products.
  • Conduct benchtop environmental testing to validate product robustness.
  • Support production and field operations by providing technical guidance on failure resolution and process improvements.
  • Maintain thorough documentation of failure analysis findings, test results, and corrective actions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or equivalent engineering/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 or equivalent engineering discipline.
  • 3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware.
  • Experience with digital and mixed-signal designs, power electronics, or RF electronics using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipment.
  • Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and root causing electrical hardware failures.
  • Experience with environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, and TVAC
  • Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) for test automation and data analysis.
  • Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
  • Experience developing or supporting any of the following products/processes:
    • Analog, digital, and mixed signal circuit testing.
    • RF hardware testing.
    • Design for excellence (DFX), derating, and related analyses.
    • Digital communications interfaces including SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, and RS422.
    • Statistical Process Control (SPC).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for innovation, and commitment to improving reliability in cutting-edge technology

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Hardware Development Engineer/Level I: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Hardware Development Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

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 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year

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.