Development Test Specialist, Hardware Reliability (Starlink)

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.

DEVELOPMENT TEST SPECIALIST, HARDWARE RELIABILITY (STARLINK)

As a member of the Starlink Production Reliability team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and quality of our Starlink user terminal products by supporting development test efforts, such as designing and/or building fixtures, test stands, and test procedures to aid in reliability test investigations. Your work will have a direct impact on the success of Starlink’s high volume manufacturing and the overall reliability of the Starlink system. If you are a motivated, data driven, and reliability-focused professional, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform tests independently, or with engineers, with or without test procedures, and to test requirements.
• Summarize and distribute test data and preliminary test results to all interested parties.
• Communicate complex technical information and data insights to stakeholders, including management, engineering, and production teams, to drive action and improvement.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document test procedures.
• Assist in or design test fixtures, test setups, and test stands to be used in reliability testing, and/or for development.
• Independently fabricate or build any of the following in accordance with the defined specifications:
• Instrumentation including DAQ hardware and wire harnesses.
• Electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems including hazardous high pressure gas systems and high voltage electrical systems.
• Identify and implement process improvements.
• Support anomaly investigations and work toward resolution.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate hypotheses.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement design and process changes to prevent future failures.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of experience working in a hands-on technical position in quality or reliability

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer Science, physics, statistics, or a related field.
• Ability to read and understand electrical and/or mechanical schematics.
• Ability to read and understand Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).
• Ability to read mechanical assembly drawings and blueprints.
• Ability to install and operate instrumentation, including: strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and identify key insights.
• Ability to install and use instrumentation including strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry
• Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses including: soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors.
• Fabricate metallic piece parts to print using machine shop equipment: mill, lathe, etc.
• Fabricate and assemble high-pressure pneumatic and hydraulic fluid systems, including bending/flaring/assembling of stainless steel and flexible tubing.
• Ability to fabricate mechanical components and assemblies, including: milling, drilling, turning, and torquing.
• Knowledge/experience operating and maintaining pneumatic and hydraulic components, including: valves, regulators, and accumulators.
• Knowledge/experience with test operations procedures including hydraulic load control, hydro/pneumatic pressure control, and safe handling of test parts.
• Knowledge/experience with high pressure or cryogenic systems (gaseous and liquid).
• Knowledge/experience with high voltage systems (AC and DC).
• Knowledge/experience working with electrical components and/or systems.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted and stand for long periods of time, as required by the production environment.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed.

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.