Quality Inspector, Data Center (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.

QUALITY INSPECTOR, DATA CENTER (STARLINK)  

SpaceX is on a mission to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. We are building some of the world’s most technically advanced facilities and data centers, which demand rigorous control of nonconforming hardware so vendor defects do not impact installation, operations, or uptime. 

As a Quality Inspector supporting the data center Supplier Quality Specialist (SQS) team, you will own day-to-day Material Review Board (MRB) operations at Memphis data centers. You will review hardware flagged by site operations, confirm failures through coordinated or hands-on testing, document nonconformances with complete trace information, submit RMAs, and get parts packaged and shipped back to the vendor so the SQS team can focus on supplier performance, containment strategy, and corrective action. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Own day-to-day MRB operations at Memphis data centers: intake of nonconforming hardware, proper labeling and segregation, designated storage, inventory accuracy, and timely disposition.
• Review hardware flagged by site operations; verify the reported condition, confirm identification (P/N, S/N, location, ticket), and ensure the unit is held, documented, and dispositioned before it re-enters service or inventory.
• Coordinate functional and network testing with network engineers, or perform tests yourself when qualified, to confirm failures prior to RMA.
• Compile supporting documentation (photos, serials, logs, test results, tickets, and packing details) and submit RMA / return-to-vendor requests.
• Package nonconforming parts for return to vendor and coordinate outbound shipment, including paperwork, labeling, and pickup/carrier handoff.
• Verify trace information on nonconforming units and ensure nonconformances are documented completely (part number, serial number, date code/lot, location, failure description, and associated ticket IDs).
• Ensure nonconforming parts remain labeled and stored properly in MRB, that aging holds are actioned in a timely manner, and that stalled items are escalated to the data center SQS.
• Partner with the data center Supplier Quality Specialist on containments, vendor communications, and the data needed for root cause and corrective/preventive action.
• Maintain accurate records in issue-ticket and quality systems; keep MRB status visible to operations, supply chain, and SQS stakeholders.
• Support quality management system policies and procedures for nonconforming material control; identify process gaps and help close them. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate. 
• 2+ years of experience in quality inspection, receiving inspection, warehouse/MRB, electronics repair/RMA, data center operations, or a related hardware-handling role. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Solid computer skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Experience documenting nonconformances and working in ticket, ERP, WMS, or RMA systems.
• Experience packaging, labeling, and shipping returns (RMA / RTV), including ESD and fragile-hardware handling.
• Familiarity with data center hardware (servers, switches, NICs, racks, PDUs, cooling components, or related infrastructure).
• Comfort coordinating or performing basic hardware/network tests (link, ping, POST, visual/LED indicators, or vendor diagnostic utilities) with network or site engineering support.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality management systems and nonconforming material control.
• Strong attention to detail on serial-number traceability and documentation completeness.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to work cross-functionally with site ops, network engineering, supply chain, and SQS. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• This position is based in Memphis, TN and requires being onsite at data center facilities. Remote work not considered.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and work in a data center environment for extended periods (hot/cold aisles; PPE as required).
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines.
• Travel between Memphis-area data center sites as needed, other SpaceX sites, and potentially suppliers. 

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].