Electrical Hardware Reliability Engineer – Starshield Satellites

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Reliability Engineer, Electrical (Starshield) to ensure satellite hardware reliability across cross‑functional teams including electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain.

The role focuses on failure analysis, root cause resolution, and design improvements to increase robustness and longevity of PCBAs, with opportunities for advanced R&D in space hardware and access to a broad benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internship and co‑op experience qualifies).
• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline (preferred).
• 3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware (preferred).
• Experience with digital and mixed‑signal designs, power electronics, or RF electronics using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipment.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C, or C++) for test automation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of quality tools (Lean, Six Sigma, RCA) and SPC.
• Experience with SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, RS422, and related interfaces (preferred).
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or willingness to obtain one (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed failure analysis of Starshield satellite hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions.
• Utilize design schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to identify the physics of the failure.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with test engineers to improve test assets, reduce false failures, and increase test coverage.
• Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions for non-conforming products.
• Conduct benchtop environmental testing to validate product robustness.
• Support production and field operations with guidance on failure resolution and process improvements.
• Maintain thorough documentation of failure analysis findings, test results, and corrective actions.

Skills

Electrical hardware

Failure analysis

Reliability engineering

Root cause analysis

Cross‑functional collaboration

Programming (Python/C++)

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Master’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Digital multimeters

Power supplies

Soldering equipment

HALT/HASS testing equipment

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Reliability Engineer, Electrical (Starshield) to ensure satellite hardware reliability across cross‑functional teams including electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain.

The role focuses on failure analysis, root cause resolution, and design improvements to increase robustness and longevity of PCBAs, with opportunities for advanced R&D in space hardware and access to a broad benefits package.