Lead Reliability Engineer (Starlink)

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.

LEAD RELIABILITY ENGINEER (STARLINK) This role will be the lead for teams responsible for the design and reliability of Starlink satellites and ground stations, specifically managing PCB librarians who maintain the library of our parts used for design and layout and liaising with PCB designers and manufacturing and reliability engineers. This lead will also manage the EEE Components team, who is responsible for evaluating new and existing parts for high reliability through communication with suppliers, design reviews, and hands‑on lab analysis. Additionally, design reliability functions which ensure thorough qualification planning, technical review, and approvals are covered by this role as well.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide team leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance within and without the Hardware and EEE Parts Reliability group

Guide and steer EEE component reviews and reliability campaigns

Support and execute quick decisions and oversee failure analysis for mitigation of reliability issues

Execute reliability modeling and risk assessments for given EEE component issues impacting our hardware

Interface with manufacturing and design engineers for deep understanding of how EEE components are used in application

Assist responsible engineers in developing qualification strategies, provide technical review, and ensure project closure and proper approval

Coordinate and support PCB librarian team activities

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

5+ years of experience in semiconductor and/or PCBA hardware reliability engineering

3+ years of predictive modeling experience (e.g., predicting product life via data analysis & testing)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Excellent understanding of accelerated testing methods, governing equations, and physics of failure for different failure mechanisms

Working knowledge of coding language, preferable Python

Adept in developing and analyzing reliability statistics, including Weibull analysis

Experience with probabilistic modeling techniques

Robust determination of MTTF

Experienced with life testing methods (HALT/HASS, ESS, ALT, RGT)

Areas of specialty interest: avionics electronics, interconnects, RF systems, mechanisms, space tribology, power systems (batteries, solar arrays), thermal management

Familiarity with IPC and JEDEC reliability and quality specifications, tailored towards component reliability

Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with manufacturing and engineering teams

Strong work ethic and organizational skills and keen attention to detail

2+ years of experience in a leadership/mentoring role

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Pay range: Lead Reliability Engineer: $125,000.00 – $175,000.00 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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