Development Test Specialist, Hardware Reliability (Starlink)

SpaceX•Bastrop, TX

About The Position

As a member of the Starlink Production Reliability team, the Development Test Specialist supports development testing to ensure the reliability and quality of Starlink user terminal products. The role includes designing or building fixtures, test stands, and test procedures to support reliability test investigations. This work contributes to Starlink’s high-volume manufacturing and the reliability of the Starlink system. The specialist performs and supports tests, troubleshoots mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, fabricates instrumentation and systems, communicates test results, and collaborates with engineering and other teams on investigations and improvements. The position requires working in a fast-paced production environment, with the ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted and stand for long periods. Overtime and weekend work may be needed. Applicants must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least 3 years of experience in a hands-on technical position in quality or reliability.
Willingness to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted and stand for extended periods as required by the production environment.
Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed.
Must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, or a related field.
Ability to read and understand electrical and/or mechanical schematics.
Ability to read and understand Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
Ability to read mechanical assembly drawings and blueprints.
Ability to install and operate instrumentation such as strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Excellent problem-solving skills, including analyzing complex data sets and identifying key insights.
Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses through soldering, crimping, and connector assembly.
Ability to fabricate metallic parts to print using machine shop equipment such as mills and lathes.
Ability to fabricate and assemble high-pressure pneumatic and hydraulic fluid systems, including bending, flaring, and assembling stainless steel and flexible tubing.
Ability to fabricate mechanical components and assemblies using milling, drilling, turning, and torquing.
Knowledge or experience operating and maintaining pneumatic and hydraulic components, including valves, regulators, and accumulators.
Knowledge or experience with test operations procedures, including hydraulic load control, hydro/pneumatic pressure control, and safe handling of test parts.
Knowledge or experience with high-pressure or cryogenic gaseous and liquid systems.
Knowledge or experience with AC and DC high-voltage systems.
Knowledge or experience working with electrical components and/or systems.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Perform tests independently or with engineers, with or without test procedures, in accordance with test requirements.
Summarize and distribute test data and preliminary results to interested parties.
Communicate technical information and data insights to management, engineering, and production stakeholders to drive action and improvement.
Collaborate with engineers to develop and document test procedures.
Assist in or design test fixtures, setups, and stands for reliability testing and development.
Fabricate or build instrumentation, including DAQ hardware and wire harnesses, to specifications.
Fabricate or build electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, including hazardous high-pressure gas and high-voltage electrical systems.
Identify and implement process improvements.
Support anomaly investigations and work toward resolution.
Develop and execute test plans to validate hypotheses.
Collaborate with engineering teams to implement design and process changes that prevent future failures.