SMT Specialist

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

8h•$34 - $51

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring an SMT Specialist to support its avionics production team and high-rate, high-quality Starlink builds. The role manages and maintains production equipment, trains technicians to operate it, and supports new product introduction, process development, and validation across production work centers. The specialist programs, operates, optimizes, and configures automated SMT equipment and processes for high-reliability electronics assemblies; supports PCBA line setup and equipment requirements; and develops fixtures, maintenance plans, and process improvements. The role also works closely with engineering to provide design feedback and develop Design for Manufacturability guidelines, streamlines space-grade PCBA assembly and test processes, and resolves production and quality issues while protecting design integrity and schedule. The position requires the ability to work required shift hours, overtime, and weekends as needed. Physical tasks may include lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted and prolonged standing, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching. Compensation is listed by level, with a base pay range of $34.00–$40.00 for Level 1, $38.00–$45.00 for Level 2, and $42.00–$51.00 for Level 3. Actual level and salary depend on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The total rewards package may include long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan, medical, vision and dental coverage, a 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, discounts and perks, three weeks of paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in accordance with applicable law. Employee shuttles operate Monday through Friday from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate and at least 2 years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment, or a bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline.
At least 2 years of experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering.
Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime, and weekends as needed.
Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted.
Must be able to perform physical tasks that may include standing for long periods, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching.
Must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Strong work ethic and drive to succeed.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.
Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2, or equivalent hardware.
Hands-on experience optimizing SMT pick-and-place, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through-hole soldering systems.

Responsibilities

Lead new product introduction (NPI) builds and process development and validation across work centers under aggressive timelines.
Assist with PCBA line setup, facility requests, equipment programming, and specification of new equipment requirements.
Program, load, operate, optimize, and configure automated SMT equipment and processes for high-reliability electronics assemblies.
Design custom fixtures to improve process flow and efficiency.
Train technicians to operate and troubleshoot complex machines.
Define equipment maintenance schedules and support maintenance activities.
Perform design of experiments (DOE) and identify continuous improvement opportunities to increase yield, performance, and cost efficiency.
Develop Design for Manufacturability (DFM) guidelines and provide design feedback in collaboration with engineering during design, build, and test phases.
Streamline space-grade PCBA assembly and test processes, including reflow soldering, selective soldering, conformal coating, flying probe, AOI, and functional testing.
Triage non-conforming product, drive root-cause resolution and preventive actions, and resolve production issues while protecting design integrity, quality, and schedule.

Benefits

Potential long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various discounts and perks.
May accrue three weeks of paid vacation.
Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.