Reliability Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Texas is seeking a Quality Engineer for their Starlink division. The role involves hands-on failure analysis, quality assurance in production processes, and collaboration across various technical teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics, with at least 1 year of experience in semiconductor test or manufacturing. This position offers the opportunity to impact product reliability in innovative hardware solutions.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of high-volume semiconductor test or manufacturing experience.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on failure analysis for production and on-orbit failures.
• Develop and implement production processes for next-gen hardware.
• Create data analysis programs for production yield and failure rates.
• Conduct regular build quality reviews to identify risk reduction opportunities.

Skills

Hands-on experience on semiconductor reliability

Analytical skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics

Tools

FIB

SEM/EDX

Network analyzer

Job description

Quality Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

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.

Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work helps further the impact that Starlink is already making for millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.

The Hardware Reliability and Quality Team is an interdisciplinary team that is committed to the reliability of the mechanical and electrical hardware required to connect our customers to our satellites. Your breadth of exposure will span across dozens of areas (mechanical, electrical, RF, software, test, etc.) as you collaborate with core groups at SpaceX to bring hardware from initial concept development to full‑scale high‑volume production. You will use data to understand the factors that drive process and product reliability in design and manufacturing. You will dive deep into the details to identify, understand, and solve difficult technical problems to influence product design and manufacturing processes. You will be exposed to a hands‑on environment that will enable you to spend time on the factory floor and in the test lab to improve the reliability of hardware and, ultimately, the user experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on failure analysis to drive root‑cause and corrective action of production, test, and on‑orbit failures to ultimately improve product reliability, quality, and factory throughput
• Develop, validate, and implement production processes for existing and next‑gen hardware with objective of maintaining consistent quality and high throughput
• Create data analysis programs to identify production yield, failure rates, and implement statistical process controls
• Conduct regular build quality reviews to ensure that design intent is achieved and well‑communicated; identify opportunities for risk reduction, and removal of complexity in designs and processes to improve manufacturability
• Determine the appropriate Quality Management System requirements around traceability, non‑conformance, and configuration management for the program
• Define and develop the product qualification’s reliability test plan, monitor, testing, and reporting
• Define ongoing reliability testing strategy to monitor the manufacturing process health, and screen for long‑term reliability defects caused by process and component variability

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics
• 1+ years of high‑volume semiconductor test or manufacturing experience (internship experience is applicable)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of high‑volume semiconductor test or manufacturing experience
• Hands‑on experience on semiconductor reliability, physical and electrical failure analysis tools like FIB, SEM/EDX, ion cross sect, network analyzer etc.
• Proven ability to work with cross‑functional teams and execute multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated good and sound analytical skills with the ability to use data for decision‑making and process optimization
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and comfortable in a fast‑moving and dynamic environment

Additional Requirements

• Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed

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 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].