Hardware Reliability Technician, Microelectronics Test (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas is seeking a Hardware Reliability Technician for the Microelectronics Test group on Starlink to execute reliability tests and support failure analysis ensuring high-quality silicon and packaged components.

You will operate test equipment, document results, assist engineers, perform sample prep, soldering and PCBA rework as needed, and work overtime to meet lab demands in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1+ years in production, manufacturing, or technical lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate failure analysis and reliability test equipment to support root cause investigations.
• Document test results, observations, and data clearly and accurately.
• Communicate and resolve test-related issues with engineers and specialists.
• Support day-to-day operations of the reliability test lab for Starlink products.
• Assess, troubleshoot, and maintain test equipment (thermal chambers, HAST, temperature cycling).
• Perform sample preparation, soldering, PCBA rework, and cross-sectioning as needed.

Skills

Failure analysis

Reliability testing

Lab equipment operation

Data documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical field

Tools

Thermal chambers

HAST

Temperature cycling systems

Soldering equipment

PCBA rework equipment

Optical microscopy

Data logging equipment

Job description

Hardware Reliability Technician, Microelectronics Test (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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

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 Reliability Technician on the Starlink team, you will play a critical hands‑on role in the Reliability Test Lab, executing microelectronics reliability tests and supporting failure analysis to ensure the highest quality and reliability of our silicon and packaged components.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate failure analysis and reliability test equipment in accordance with current SOPs and processes to support root cause investigations of microelectronics failures
• Document test results, observations, and data clearly and accurately in accordance with prescribed procedures
• Communicate and resolve test‑related issues as they relate to Starlink microelectronics reliability testing, collaborate closely with engineers and specialists
• Support day‑to‑day operations of the reliability test lab for both in‑sourced and custom Starlink microelectronics products
• Assess, troubleshoot, and perform basic maintenance on test equipment within the Reliability Test Lab (thermal chambers, HAST, temperature cycling systems, etc.)
• Perform hands‑on tasks including sample preparation, soldering, PCBA rework, and cross‑sectioning as needed for reliability testing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience working in a production, manufacturing, or technical laboratory environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of microelectronics quality, reliability, or failure analysis experience
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering field
• Experience with soldering and PCBA rework best practices
• Familiarity with reliability test standards (JEDEC, IPC, or AEC-Q200) and environmental testing (thermal cycling, humidity, mechanical stress)
• Self‑motivated, proactive, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing priorities in a fast‑paced lab environment
• Practical experience working within quality management systems (ISO 9001)
• Experience using basic failure analysis tools (optical microscopy, data logging, or similar)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Ability to work in a cleanroom or ESD‑controlled environment when required
• 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 .

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 Affiirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].