Hardware Development Engineer, PCBA Manufacturing (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP seeks a Hardware Development Engineer for PCBA Manufacturing in Bastrop, TX. This role involves managing PCBA processes and driving improvements in volume production while collaborating closely with engineering teams.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 1 year of experience in SMT or manufacturing engineering. Skills in SQL and Python, along with strong communication abilities, are essential. SpaceX offers a dynamic work environment focused on technological innovation.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or PCB design.
• Hands-on experience in SMT processing or related PCBA processes.
• Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage PCBA manufacturing processes for in-house production.
• Drive volume production processes including nonconforming management.
• Design and implement systems to improve safety on production lines.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Surface mount technology (SMT)

Hardware debug/triage

Project experience in PCB design

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

SQL

Python

Job description

Hardware Development Engineer, PCBA Manufacturing (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

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.

The Starlink PCBA Engineer will work inside the production organization to develop, manage, and improve the PCBA manufacturing process. Starlink needs the ability to continuously improve the quality and reliability of its products and production lines. This role looks to design production lines suitable to meet necessary rate, work with equipment suppliers to install and validate new equipment, and continuously seeks to improve the production process. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools and have the motivation to work with supply chain to build a premium product at commercial scale volume.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and manage PCBA manufacturing processes and PCBA products for in-house production
• Drive processes for volume production of PCBA including manufacturing execution, nonconforming product management, configuration management, traceability tracking, and process control
• Manage new product introduction of PCBA assemblies, working closely with design engineers and process specialists
• Use process capability analysis, gauge R&R, and other tools to lead new equipment selection
• Design and implement systems to improve the safety of the PCBA production line
• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training
• Track schedule, work-in-progress levels, and defect rates of owned products
• Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability
• Provide feedback to the engineering design team to improve design for manufacturability
• Identify, root-cause, and correct SMT production and testing issues
• Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: manufacturing engineering, surface mount technology (SMT), accelerated testing, hardware debug/triage, design for reliability, or printed circuit board (PCB) design and layout (school and project experience will qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience working in SMT processing and/or related PCBA processes from industry, research, or academic projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast‑paced environment
• Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards
• Experience with SQL and Python
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods such as experiment design, process capability analysis, and Gauge R&R
• Experience with Six Sigma
• Experience with basic failure analysis tools and methods (X‑ray, cross‑section, polishing)
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and use data to drive systemic improvements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed
• Able to travel for business trips up to 10% on an ongoing basis
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (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.

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.