Hardware Development Engineer, Failure Analysis (Starlink)

SpaceX • Redmond, WA

69d • $100,000 - $135,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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)

Nice To Haves

• 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).

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.

Benefits

• Pay range: Hardware Development Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year.
• Pay range: Hardware Development Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year.
• Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.
• Potential discretionary bonuses.
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• 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.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• Accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees