Hardware Development Engineer, Transceivers (Starlink)

SpaceX; Redmond; On-site; AUD 148,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Redmond, Australia, is looking for a Hardware Development Engineer for transceivers. Responsibilities include overseeing the yield and reliability of transceivers, developing analysis tools, and collaborating with design teams for improvements. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and at least 1 year of experience in microelectronics. The position offers a competitive salary between $100,000 to $135,000 along with comprehensive benefits including paid vacation and medical coverage.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Stock options and bonuses

Company shuttles for commuting

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on experience in microelectronics manufacturing.
• Experience with design of experiments for process improvements.
• High volume production experience in consumer goods or automotive.

Responsibilities

• Own yield and reliability of transceivers from production to operation.
• Interface with teams to drive reliability improvements.
• Develop requirements for improved transceiver reliability.

Skills

Hands-on experience with basic failure analysis tools

Strong communication skills

Ability to work autonomously

Desire to learn quickly

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or physics

Tools

X-ray

SAM

Die attach

Wire bond

Job description

HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, TRANSCEIVERS (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.

At SpaceX we are deploying Starlink, the world's most advanced satellite constellation, to provide broadband internet access to the world. We design, build, and operate all parts of the system – from the hardware in customers' homes to the satellites on orbit. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn, and try out new things. We work collaboratively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

As a Hardware Development Engineer for transceivers, you will develop microelectronic failure analysis tools, work with the design and integration teams to develop process and design improvements, and drive corrective actions for improving transceiver reliability. This role encompasses reliability testing of microelectronic devices, failure analysis, statistical process analysis, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement reliability improvements from a holistic perspective.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the overall yield and reliability of transceivers from early production through on-orbit operation
• Interface with adjacent teams to drive reliability improvements for transceivers at all levels
• Develop design, manufacturing, and test requirements for improved reliability of transceiver products
• Scope and procure equipment for testing and analysis of microelectronic assemblies
• Develop standard failure analysis tools and best practices for non-conforming microelectronic devices
• Drive corrective actions and process improvements for transceiver manufacturing (die attach, wire bond, SMT etc.)
• Lead investigation on non-conforming hardware to determine root cause and implement reliability improvements
• Collaborate with design teams and provide design feedback to improve manufacturability and reliability
• Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands‑on experience working in microelectronics manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced technical degree
• 3+ years of experience with manufacturing and testing microelectronics assemblies
• Hands‑on experience with basic failure analysis tools and methods (shear test, pull test, X‑ray, cross‑section, SAM)
• Experience with design of experiments (DoE) for process improvements
• Experience with microelectronics manufacturing methods (die attach, wire bond etc.)
• Hands‑on experience working in SMT processing and/or related PCBA processes from industry, research, or academic projects
• Experience with MIL‑STD‑883, IPC‑610 and JEDEC standards relative to micro‑electronics
• Experience with environmental testing of electronic devices
• Knowledge of statistical analyses and statistical process control
• High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)
• Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate
• Excellent communication skills, 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 lift heavy objects, up to 25 lbs, unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: Hardware Development Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Hardware Development Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 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 round‑trip 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 [e-mail].