SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is hiring: Hardware Development Engineer, Fa

HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, FAILURE ANALYSIS (STARLINK GATEWAYS)

As a Hardware Development Engineer for Starlink Gateways, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our ground stations which connect our satellites to the data centers all around the planet. You will work on identifying, analyzing, and resolving hardware failures to improve the robustness and longevity of our Gateways. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams including electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain to enhance the overall reliability of the Starlink network. This is an opportunity to work on cutting edge R&D technology, and some of the most complex applications of RF in the industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform detailed failure analysis of gateway hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
• Utilize schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to conduct failure investigations on PCBAs and other electronic components.
• Work closely with the respective test engineers for your products to keep a close feedback loop improving test assets.
• Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions to address non-conforming products.
• Conduct benchtop environmental testing to validate product robustness.
• Support production and field operations by providing technical guidance on failure resolution and process improvements.
• Maintain thorough documentation of failure analysis findings, test results, and corrective actions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or equivalent engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships and co-ops acceptable).
• Experience with digital and mixed-signal designs, using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and root causing electrical hardware failures.
• Experience with environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, and TVAC.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) for test automation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
• Experience developing or supporting any of the following products/processes:
• Analog, digital, and mixed signal circuit testing.
• RF hardware testing.
• Design for excellence (DFX), derating, and related analyses.
• Digital communications interfaces including SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, and RS422.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for innovation, and commitment to improving reliability in cutting-edge technology.