Lead Mechanical Engineer, 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.

LEAD MECHANICAL ENGINEER, HARDWARE RELIABILITY (STARLINK)

As a Lead Hardware Reliability Engineer at SpaceX, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will work on the Starlink Product that will enable SpaceX to provide Wi-Fi Internet anywhere around the globe. You will own production quality for the dish, router, and SMT lines in the new Bastrop factory. You will own the quality landscape including defect processing, MRB, and containments, and take a lead role in the execution of the reliability demonstration test matrix to prove out new production lines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and mentor a small team of engineers and quality specialists focused on production quality and root cause for Starlink Dish, Wi-Fi routers, and Power Supplies

Oversee containments, MRB (material review board), quality metrics, training, and applicable command media for factory compliance

Enforce quality requirements, and develop process specifications to increase first pass yield

Identify inefficiencies, and drive process improvements accordingly

Create a collaborative environment with supply chain, production, and engineering to define necessary processes, space layout, and success criteria (i.e. root cause, refurb cycle time)

Collaborate with EIS to implement automated tools to aid execution of set tasks

Develop individual team members by enabling opportunities suited to each individual that align with the strategic goals of the Starlink Product program

Allocate resources appropriately to ensure successful day-to-day operations to process customer returns, troubleshoot failures and refurbish units and support production quality milestones

Maintain ISO9001 certification as required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

2+ years of executing complex projects in team environments

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering

Experience with high-volume manufacturing

Demonstrated experience training and mentoring junior engineers

Demonstrated experience working in a highly adaptive and iterative environment

Ability to influence other organizations through strong engineering/business rationale and data

Ability to effectively organize, assign and track work/deliverables

Ability to define scope of work independently and execute accordingly

Ability to identify and analyze production process improvements for rate and quality

Experience with PCB, PCBA and Electromechanical assembly processes

Working experience in an AS9100 or equivalent quality system

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

2+ years in a leadership position leading a team of 5+ people

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed

This position is located onsite in Bastrop, TX and will require relocation if not local to the area. Remote or hybrid work is not available

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 .