SpaceX
Hardware Reliability Engineer (Starshield)
Hawthorne, CA$105k–$122.5kmidAdded today
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Hardware Reliability Engineer for Starshield, a government-focused satellite constellation. You'll conduct failure analysis on satellite hardware, identify root causes, and drive improvements across design, manufacturing, and testing to enhance product robustness and mission reliability.
What you'll do
- Perform detailed failure analysis on Starshield satellite PCBAs and identify root causes using schematics and test equipment
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve reliability and manufacturing processes
- Work with test engineers to optimize test coverage, reduce false failures, and improve test assets
- Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, implementing corrective actions for non-conforming products
- Conduct benchtop environmental testing (thermal, vibration, HALT/HASS, TVAC) to validate product robustness
- Support production and field operations with technical guidance and maintain comprehensive failure documentation
What they're looking for
- Failure analysis and root cause investigation
- Digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and soldering equipment
- Environmental testing methodologies (HALT, HASS, thermal, vibration, TVAC)
- Digital, analog, and mixed-signal circuit design and testing
- RF electronics and communications interface knowledge (SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet)
- Python, C, or C++ for test automation and data analysis
- Quality tools (Lean, Six Sigma, statistical process control)
- Design for excellence (DFX) and derating analysis
Benefits
- Competitive base salary ($105,000–$150,000 based on level and experience)
- Long-term incentives including company stock and stock purchase plan
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
- Paid parental leave and disability/life insurance
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge satellite technology for national security
Likely interview questions
- Describe a time you identified and resolved a hardware failure; what analysis methods did you use?
- How would you approach troubleshooting a mixed-signal circuit failure on a satellite PCB?
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