Mechanical Specialist, PCB (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking talented manufacturing specialists to support full-scale production for the user terminal of Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation. The role demands hands-on experience in manufacturing, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to quality and efficiency.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or significant manufacturing experience will excel in this fast-paced environment. Opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math or science discipline; OR high school diploma or equivalency certificate and 3+ years of professional experience in a hands‑on manufacturing environment in lieu of a degree.
• Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware.
• Experience with electrical tests, in-circuit or bed of nails testing.

Responsibilities

• Execute new product introduction builds across all work centers.
• Program, load, and operate automated equipment.
• Resolve production issues ensuring design integrity and product quality.

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing experience

Programming automated equipment

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, math or science

High school diploma with 3+ years experience

Tools

Automated equipment (paste printer, SPI, etc.)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best‑in‑class specialists to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the world.

The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, and security of the products that you deliver. If you seek a fast‑paced, dynamic environment; if you thrive on solving difficult problems where resolutions have high impact; and if you love the challenge of building something from scratch, then this role will be an ideal next career step. We are looking for talented manufacturing specialists to help establish new manufacturing and test processes and support full‑scale production for the user terminal (a high‑volume manufactured product that consumers will have in their homes).

Responsibilities

• Execute new product introduction builds across all work centers
• Program, load, and operate automated equipment
• Triage non‑conforming products and drive resolution and preventative actions
• Resolve production issues while ensuring design integrity, product quality, and delivery timelines
• Perform process development and validation on new models in extremely aggressive timelines
• Ensure the successful transition of products from development to volume production
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, performance, and cost
• Define maintenance schedules and support activities

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math or science discipline; OR high school diploma or equivalency certificate and 3+ years of professional experience in a hands‑on manufacturing environment in lieu of a degree

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware
• Experience programming, loading, and operating the following automated equipment: paste printer, solder paste inspection (SPI), pick and place, reflow oven, automated optical inspection (AOI), X‑ray inspection, adhesive/coating dispenser, BGA rework
• Experience with electrical tests, in circuit and/or bed of nails testing
• Ability to deliver high‑quality hardware in a fast‑paced NPI environment
• Ability to adapt and process change quickly
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills
• Ability to provide process and design improvement suggestions to engineering

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to begin work training on 1st shift (5:00 AM–5:00 PM) for initial 30 days
• Must be willing to work one of the following schedules upon completion of training (B and D shift preferred):
  • A‑Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
  • B‑Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
  • C‑Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Sunday - Tuesday and every other Wednesday)
  • D‑Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday)
• Able to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends as needed
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Willing to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for potentially extended periods of time including international
• 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 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].