SMT Process Specialist (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is looking for talented manufacturing specialists in Bastrop, Texas, to support the manufacturing and test processes for the Starlink user terminal. This role is ideal for those who thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy solving intricate problems.

Applicants should possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have at least 2 years of relevant experience. A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is preferred. Additionally, the role requires expertise in programming automated equipment and a willingness to work various shifts.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment or relevant degree.
• Experience with SMT equipment and processes.
• Ability to deliver presentations on manufacturing readiness.

Responsibilities

• Execute new product introduction builds.
• Program and operate automated equipment.
• Resolve production issues and ensure quality.

Skills

SMT and/or PCBA assembly equipment experience

Problem-solving in manufacturing

3D CAD software proficiency

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science

Tools

NX/Unigraphics

Catia

SolidWorks

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.

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink satellite constellation, is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world. 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).

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.

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

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of professional experience in a hands‑on manufacturing environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline
• 1+ years of experience with SMT and/or PCBA assembly equipment and processes

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• 4+ years of experience with SMT equipment operation in a production setting
• Direct experience with SMT equipment maintenance and support
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering
• Experience implementing design for manufacture and design for test
• Ability to create and deliver presentations for design and manufacturing readiness reviews
• Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing as part of a cross‑functional team in a fast‑paced iterative design environments
• Experience modelling with 3D CAD software such as NX/Unigraphics, Catia, or SolidWorks
• Working proficiency with DFMEA and PFMEA methodology and implementation
• SPC knowledge and experience applying statistical methods to track process capability
• Basic competency with SQL databases
• Demonstrated experience designing tooling in a manufacturing environment

Additional Requirements

• Must be available one or more of the following shifts:
• A shift, 5am-5pm Sunday‑Tuesday, every other Wednesday
• B shift, 5am-5pm Thursday‑Saturday, every other Wednesday
• C shift, 5pm-5am Monday‑Thursday every week
• Must be open to work either shift, overtime and/or 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
• Able to travel for business trips up to 10% on an ongoing basis
• 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.