SpaceX
Supplier Development Engineer, SMT (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Supplier Development Engineer for Surface Mount Technology (SMT) to lead PCBA manufacturing qualification, process improvement, and production ramp-up across global suppliers for Starlink. You'll manage New Product Introduction efforts, resolve manufacturing defects, and ensure compliance with SpaceX's quality standards while traveling up to 50% to supplier facilities worldwide.
What you'll do
- Lead supplier qualification and performance management for SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes
- Drive NPI activities including process validation, equipment selection, and yield optimization at supplier sites
- Identify and resolve manufacturing defects and quality issues in SMT assembly processes
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions using PFMEA, DOE, and SPC tools
- Travel to supplier facilities (up to 50%) to audit, oversee ramp-ups, and provide technical support
- Develop supplier scorecards, KPIs, and continuous improvement plans focused on cost and yield
What they're looking for
- SMT process expertise (screen printing, pick-and-place, reflow, wave soldering, AOI)
- PCBA manufacturing and assembly knowledge
- SMT equipment operation and troubleshooting (Fuji, Panasonic, DEK)
- Statistical process control and Six Sigma methodologies
- Root cause analysis and defect investigation techniques
- Project management and supplier coordination
- DFM/DFA and design collaboration
- IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards compliance
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Walk us through your most challenging SMT process issue and how you diagnosed and resolved it using data-driven tools.
- Describe your experience leading a supplier through a New Product Introduction and high-volume production ramp—what metrics did you track?