Electrical On-orbit Reliability Engineer, Satellites (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.

ELECTRICAL ON-ORBIT HARDWARE RELIABILITY ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its 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 millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer products 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. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As a Satellite On-Orbit Hardware Reliability Engineer on Starlink, you will track, investigate, and analyze electrical and mechanical hardware failure modes on the largest space vehicle fleet in history. Your daily work will include a combination of hardware testing, on-orbit data analysis, and collaboration with design, production, and operations engineers to act in response to on-orbit hardware anomalies. You will use a mixture of electrical engineering analysis, statistical methods, and on-orbit experiments to achieve root cause for various failure mode investigations. You will provide critical insight at multiple points in the design and production process to ensure that hardware reliability increases over time. Your experience will span the full scale of Starlink’s satellite engineering process: from the detailed physics of failure in a single hardware component, to its implications for the entire constellation, to the decisions made for future designs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze and track on-orbit hardware failures for the Starlink satellite constellation
• Drive root cause investigation for major on-orbit hardware anomalies
• Perform electrical bench testing and develop engineering models of failures to root cause and mitigate hardware anomalies
• Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, test, operations, production) to eliminate sources of on-orbit failure
• Drive continual improvements to our constellation by building and using tools to analyze data collected both on-orbit and in ground testing
• Continuously improve the feedback loop from space using a mix of effective communication and automation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in hardware development, hardware troubleshooting, or data analysis (internship/co-op experience is accepted)
• 1+ years of experience with Python and/or SQL

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Experience analyzing/designing electrical circuits and developing functional test plans
• Experience with PCBA test equipment and measurement techniques (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
• Strong understanding of time series data analysis and reliability statistics
• Strong understanding of failure mechanisms for electronic, mechanical, or optical systems
• Experience leading failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Experience performing environmental tests such as HALT/HASS campaigns, thermal cycling, vibration and shock testing, space environment effects testing

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for innovation, and commitment to improving reliability in cutting-edge technology

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00
Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. 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 [email protected].