Supplier Development Engineer, Electrical (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.

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, ELECTRICAL (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven electrical engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production of Starlink products. You will drive end-to-end supplier development for the electromechanical portfolio - from strategic supplier selection and new product introduction (NPI) through high-volume production scaling. Need to work in close coordination with internal engineering, manufacturing, and reliability teams as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze manufacturing processes and electromechanical assemblies from a first principles, physics-based approach with focus on electrical domain
• Experience with taking products from concept and development into high-volume production
• Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, etc.) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware
• Develop part qualification criteria, collaborate on functional and reliability requirements, and drive system-level optimization for high-volume production
• Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) to develop supplier production processes for high-rate, high-yield, and reliable parts
• Lead hardware failure investigations, defect characterization and analysis to determine root causes to improve manufacturing yields
• Direct the supplier process modifications while ultimately responsible for approving first article inspection (FAI) reports, and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) reports
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing engineers to gain an in-depth knowledge of electrical parts, assembly, metrology, and sub-system design intent
• Create and define supplier technical and quality requirements based on NPI lifecycle, production phases, and program requirement
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership, proactivity, technical excellence, creativity, self-direction, and courage

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
• 2+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering, electronics manufacturing, quality engineering, reliability engineering (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in electrical engineering
• 5+ years of professional experience in consumer electronics
• Experience troubleshooting electronics hardware and/or RF communication systems
• Hands-on knowledge of high-volume electromechanical manufacturing processes including motors, sensors, robotics, automation lines etc.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing capability evaluations, including capacity analysis, process capability indices (Cp/Cpk), process window validation, and scalability for high-volume electronics production
• Strong problem-solving skills using structured root cause analysis methods and statistical tools such as Minitab, design of experiments (DOE), and Six Sigma
• Knowledge of reliability engineering practices such as accelerated life testing, flex-cycle testing, thermal aging, humidity exposure, and electrical-specific failure mechanism analysis
• Ability to read and interpret two-dimensional drawings, electrical specifications, pair balance requirements, and connector datasheets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill complex technical topics into clear one-pagers and presentations
• Experience in a fast-paced, iterative design environment within the consumer electronics, mobile handsets, medical devices, aerospace, or automotive industries

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is based in Bastrop, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Position may require extended working hours and occasional weekends to support production ramps and critical issue resolution
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, both domestically and internationally

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].