Mechanical Specialist, PCB (Starlink)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX seeks a Mechanical Specialist for Starlink PCB manufacturing. You will help build and validate high‑volume user terminal hardware, driving process development, qualification, and production transfer to ensure quality and cost targets.

Ideal candidates have hands-on electronics manufacturing experience, IPC/IPC‑A standards familiarity, and a proven ability to work in fast-paced environments while collaborating with engineering and supply chain teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, math or science, or 3+ years hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware.
• Experience programming, loading, and operating automated equipment: paste printer, SPI, pick and place, reflow, AOI, X-ray, dispenser, BGA rework.

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 aggressive timelines.
• Ensure successful transition of products from development to volume production.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, performance and cost.
• Define maintenance schedules and support activities.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Problem solving

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science

High school diploma + 3+ years hands-on manufacturing experience

Tools

Paste printer

SPI

Pick and place

Reflow oven

AOI

X-ray inspection

Adhesive dispenser

BGA rework

ERP/MRP/MES systems

Bed of nails testing

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.

MECHANICAL SPECIALIST (STARLINK PCB)

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 computer skills (email, Microsoft Windows, ERP/MRP/MES systems, iOS, executing custom‑developed software)
• 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

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.

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