Hardware Development Engineer, Failure Analysis (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Development Engineer – Failure Analysis (Starlink) to identify, analyze, and resolve hardware failures across satellites and ground stations. You will work with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve reliability, PCBAs, and test processes while documenting findings.

The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, environmental testing, and hands-on debugging with Python/C++ for test automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or equivalent STEM discipline.
• 1+ years of hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships/co-ops acceptable).

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed failure analysis of satellite and gateway hardware, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
• Utilize schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to conduct failure investigations on PCBAs and other electronic components.
• Work closely with test engineers to feedback on test assets and improve reliability.

Skills

Digital & mixed-signal designs

Power electronics

RF electronics

Troubleshooting & root-cause analysis

Python, C/C++

Lean & Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or STEM

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Power supplies

Soldering equipment

SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, RS422

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.

Hardware Development Engineer – Failure Analysis (Starlink)

As a Hardware Development Engineer for Starlink, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our satellites and ground stations. You will work on identifying, analyzing, and resolving hardware failures to improve the robustness and longevity of our PCBAs. This role involves collaborating with cross‑functional teams including electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain to enhance the overall reliability of the Starlink network. This is an opportunity to work on cutting‑edge R&D technology and some of the most complex applications of electrical engineering in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed failure analysis of satellite and gateway hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
• Utilize schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to conduct failure investigations on PCBAs and other electronic components.
• Work closely with the respective test engineers for your products to keep a close feedback loop improving test assets.
• Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions to address non‑conforming products.
• Conduct benchtop environmental testing to validate product robustness.
• Support production and field operations by providing technical guidance on failure resolution and process improvements.
• Maintain thorough documentation of failure analysis findings, test results, and corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or equivalent engineering/STEM discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships and co‑ops acceptable).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware.
• Experience with digital and mixed‑signal designs, power electronics, or RF electronics using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipment.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and root‑causing electrical hardware failures.
• Experience with environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, and TVAC.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) for test automation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
• Experience developing or supporting any of the following products/processes:

• Analog, digital, and mixed signal circuit testing.
• RF hardware testing.
• Design for excellence (DFX), derating, and related analyses.
• Digital communications interfaces including SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, and RS422.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC).

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

Hardware Development Engineer/Level I: $105,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year.

Hardware Development Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 – $145,000.00 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. 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].