Hardware Reliability Engineer (Starshield)
Designs and tests satellite hardware for SpaceX’s Starshield program, diagnosing failures and improving reliability of PCBs and components for national security missions.
- Compensation
- $105K–$150K / yr
- Location
- Hawthorne, CA
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Intern
- Employment
- Internship
- Experience
- 1+ years
- Category
- Hardware
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internship and co-op experience qualifies)
Nice to have
- 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 (such as Python, C, or 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 an
- Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain one
Full description
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
HARDWARE RELIABILITY ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
As a Hardware Reliability Engineer for Starshield, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our satellites. 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 Starshield hardware. 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform detailed failure analysis of Starshield satellite hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions
- Utilize design schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to identify the physics of the failure
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes
- Work closely with the respective test engineers for your products to keep a close feedback loop improving test assets, to reduce false failures, and to increase test coverage to avoid escapes
- 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
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internship and co-op experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline