Hardware Development Engineer, Failure Analysis (Starlink Gateways)

$100,000 - $120,000/Yr

SpaceX - Redmond, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Redmond, WA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

As a Hardware Development Engineer for Starlink Gateways at SpaceX, you will be instrumental in ensuring the reliability and performance of ground stations that connect satellites to data centers globally. This role focuses on identifying, analyzing, and resolving hardware failures to enhance the robustness and longevity of the Starlink network. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve product reliability and work on cutting-edge R&D technology in the RF domain.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed failure analysis of 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or equivalent engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships and co-ops acceptable).
• Experience with digital and mixed-signal designs, using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipment.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware.
• 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).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.