Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Reliability (Starlink)

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, HARDWARE RELIABILITY (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best-in-class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

The Hardware Reliability Team at Starlink is an interdisciplinary team that is committed to the reliability of the mechanical and electrical hardware required to connect our customers to our satellites. Your breadth of exposure will span across dozens of areas (mechanical, electrical, RF, software, test, etc.) as you collaborate with core groups at SpaceX to bring hardware from initial concept development to full-scale high-volume production.

You will use data to understand the factors that drive process and product reliability in design and manufacturing. You will dive deep into the details to identify, understand, and solve difficult technical problems to influence product design and manufacturing processes. You will be exposed to a hands-on environment that will enable you to spend time on the factory floor and in the test lab to improve the reliability of hardware and, ultimately, the user experience. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement reliability test strategies for new products and their subcomponents to maximize field life and minimize early life failures
• Develop, implement, and validate test and inspection processes for new and existing products and production processes, ensuring that criteria are objective and that reliability goals are consistently met
• Design and execute novel environmental, RF, mechanical, and electrical testing techniques tailored to the product and its functions
• Write test programs to exercise the functionality of the product over various conditions and environments
• Automate reliability test initiatives and reporting using proper data visualization techniques and thorough knowledge of the product and its functions
• Define the ongoing reliability testing strategy to monitor the manufacturing process and screen for long-term reliability defects caused by process and component variability
• Monitor product and process quality through production ramp-up using a suite of analysis tools, and drive improvements to areas that are under-performing in terms of key quality metrics
• Investigate failures in production and test, identifying and mitigating the immediate and underlying root causes in order to reduce risk and improve reliability of designs and processes
• Contain suspect or known non-conforming product, providing guidance to production representatives and engineers to assist in quarantining and rework activities
• Work closely with hardware, software, manufacturing, and network engineering teams to maximize reliability across all disciplines

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in test, analysis, manufacturing, or hardware development (internship and project experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with both electronics and mechanical design and analysis including knowledge of RF principles
• Programming experience in Python, C, and SQL with an emphasis on data analysis and automation
• Demonstrated capability to think creatively and solve complex problems with little to no supervision and on schedule, both as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• 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 Bastrop, TX (Austin 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  [email protected].