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Sr. Hardware Development Engineer, Micro-Electronics (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

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.

SR. HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, MIRCO-ELECTRONICS (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 5M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Senior Hardware Development Engineer in our Micro-electronics area, you will be responsible for developing novel manufacturing processes for our next generation of Satellite RF Modules. You will work closely with design (electrical/mechanical), component/equipment vendors, and production associates to ramp up the micro-electronics cleanroom and take these products from NPI to high volume manufacturing, which will be critical to the success of our next gen Starlink satellite constellation. This role will cover Micro-electronics processing such as: die attach, plasma clean, wire-bond and AOI. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Manage new product introduction of Micro-E assemblies, working closely with design engineers and process specialists
  • Champion design feedback to improve manufacturability and reliability of RF Modules
  • Create work instructions, SOPs, and administer training for production technicians
  • Develop and qualify strong manufacturing processes regarding both quality and throughput
  • Lead efforts to uncover root-cause and develop a permanent resolution on issues found during initial development builds
  • Level up data-tracking, automation and process control logging for the area to continuously improve the manufacturing space
  • Work with the supply chain of specific machine vendors and incoming material to ensure equipment and component quality is continuously improving for reliable manufacturing
  • Support the transition of products from development to volume production and identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, performance, and cost
  • Prepare and maintain documentation required to ensure efficient production
  • Participate in design reviews to conduct DFM and DFT recommendations with innovative and cost-effective solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical or micro-electronic engineering, software, physics or other engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in micro-electronics manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Direct experience with micro-electronics manufacturing equipment (specifically, die attach/wire bonding)
  • Experience with MIL-STD-883, IPC-610 and JEDEC standards relative to micro-electronics
  • Hands-on experience working in clean room environment producing high reliability RF modules
  • Experience with SMT/PCBA, wafer processing and component packaging
  • Knowledge of statistical analyses specifically, statistical process controls in a Micro-E applications, DOEs around optimization of Micro-E equipment parameters and Gage R&Rs around Micro-E appraisal steps
  • Experience with basic failure analysis tools and methods (X-ray, cross-section, SAM) and its uses in validating RF Modules
  • Experience contributing to PFMEAs and implementing various control plans to ensure Micro-E Processes are set-up for success in ramp ups
  • Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal
  • Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed
  • Ability to life heavy objects, up to 25 Ibs. unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:       

Hardware Development Engineer/ Senior: $130,000- $180,000.00/per year     

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

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