Hardware Reliability Specialist, Microelectronics Failure Analysis (Starlink)

Latent AI; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Reliability Specialist for its Starlink project in Bastrop, Texas, to ensure the reliability of microelectronic components. The candidate will perform failure analysis, collaborate with engineering teams, and communicate technical findings. A high school diploma and 2+ years in a related field are required, with preferred qualifications including a degree in engineering and familiarity with failure analysis tools. This role supports a dynamic environment focused on innovative satellite technology.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in microelectronics quality or failure analysis.
• Hands-on familiarity with failure analysis techniques.
• Strong analytical skills to identify key insights from complex data.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on root cause investigations for microelectronics failures.
• Develop expertise in failure analysis equipment and techniques.
• Clearly communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Skills

Electrical debugging

Fault isolation

Failure analysis

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, or science

Tools

SEM

EDS

FIB

Data visualization tools (Grafana, JMP)

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 RELIABILITY SPECIALIST, MICROELECTRONICS FAILURE ANALYSIS (STARLINK)

Starlink is SpaceX’s ambitious goal to bring high-quality internet to the globe by building a constellation of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) using our Falcon 9 and Starship reusable rockets. We are developing millions of devices for end users to link our customers to our satellites.

As a member of the Starlink Reliability team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and quality of our high-volume custom silicon products. You will own in-depth failure analysis on microelectronic components failing in manufacturing, test, or field returns, leveraging advanced lab equipment and techniques to drive root cause investigations and corrective actions that directly improve Starlink quality and reliability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with engineering teams on planning, prioritization, and execution of root cause investigations for microelectronics failures
• Perform electrical debugging, fault isolation, and failure analysis on complex microelectronic components and systems using specialized laboratory tools
• Develop deep expertise in failure analysis equipment and techniques (SEM, EDS, FIB, cross-sectioning, etc.) to support Starlink microelectronics reliability
• Delegate routine tasks to technicians while maintaining strong hands‑on involvement in complex investigations to ensure accuracy and timely results
• Clearly communicate technical findings, data insights, and recommended corrective actions to engineering, production, and management stakeholders

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years experience in a microelectronics quality, reliability, failure analysis in a production or research lab environment (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 4+ years of experience in reliability or failure analysis of microelectronics
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL, and experience with data visualization tools such as Grafana, JMP, or similar
• Hands‑on familiarity with common failure analysis techniques and tools such as fault isolation, cross sectioning, SEM, EDS, FIB, etc
• Familiarity with basic root cause analysis principles
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and identify key insights
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Ability to work in a cleanroom or ESD‑controlled environment when required

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 Employer

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].