Electrical Engineer, PCB (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, Texas is seeking an Electrical Test & Manufacturing Engineer for the Starlink project. In this role, you will oversee the production processes for printed circuit boards (PCBs), implementing advanced manufacturing technologies and automation. Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment, and strong problem-solving skills. This position requires onsite work with potential travel across SpaceX sites, focusing on high-volume electronics production while ensuring quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Experience diagnosing PCB failure modes and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Lead design of experiments to establish stable processes.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis.
• Solve technical issues from manufacturing.

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing experience

Understanding technical drawings

Problem-solving using engineering principles

Strong communication skills

Experience in high-volume electronics manufacturing

Knowledge of IPC standards

PCB failure analysis and root cause analysis

Quality tools knowledge

Electrical test fixture design

Job description

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.

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best‑in‑class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

As an Electrical Test & Manufacturing Engineer on Starlink, you will spearhead state‑of‑the‑art production processes for our printed circuit boards (PCBs). This position is responsible for the development and implementation of all equipment, facilities, tooling, and manufacturing process technologies necessary to scale production to high volumes. You will design and implement advanced manufacturing processes and automation, owning your projects from conception and factory design through machine installation, commissioning, factory ramp, and process optimization. You will design and run large, hands‑on process design of experiments (DOE), optimize complex mechanical and chemical process equipment, and interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases.

Your work will form the backbone for millions of next‑generation consumer‑facing devices that we ship directly to customers and businesses all over the world. From private homes, RVs, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in leveling the playing field for high‑speed connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain new and/or improved manufacturing processes, equipment, technologies, and facilities; examples could include automatic optical inspection, bed‑of‑nails, and flying probe
• Analyze production processes and machinery from a first‑principles, physics‑based approach
• Lead design of experiments (DOE) to establish a stable and robust process that can be handed off to production personnel; perform defect characterization and analysis to determine root causes and develop action plans to improve yields
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines
• Own and perform machine activation and testing with a small team of engineers and technicians
• Solve technical and emergent issues from manufacturing (part quality, machine reliability, process instability, etc.)

Basic Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional experience in a hands‑on manufacturing environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability to read and understand technical drawings
• Ability to solve complex problems utilizing engineering first principles with minimal supervision on tight schedules
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Experience with maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical test equipment, including replacing and reworking components (amplifiers, wire wraps, pogo pins)
• Experience working in high‑volume electronics manufacturing
• Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards
• Experience diagnosing PCB failure modes and root cause analysis
• Knowledge of quality tools such as design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis, corrective action, process failure mode, effects analysis (PFMEA), and various problem‑solving approaches
• Experience with taking products from research and development into production
• Experience with electrical test fixture design, qualification, and implementation

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for potentially extended periods of time including international
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Willing to work onsite; remote work is not considered
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

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].