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.

PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, PCB (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to drive manufacturing tools and processes, from initial concept development to full scale production.  You will drive the relationship between engineering, development, and production teams and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases.  The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, security, and user experience of the products that you deliver.

As a Manufacturing Engineer on Starlink, you will spearhead state of the art production processes for our printed circuit boards (PCBs). This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and operationalization of equipment, facilities, tooling and manufacturing process technologies necessary for high volume production.  Your work will form the backbone for millions of next generation devices used all over the world. For homes, schools, businesses, vehicles, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in ensuring high-speed connectivity is available to all who need it.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement, and productionize mechanical and fluid systems that meet SpaceX and regulatory requirements
• Responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing processes, equipment, technologies, and facilities. Examples could include CNC drill and trim, lamination, metal plating lines, copper etching lines, direct or electroless metallization lines, water and chemical waste treatment, plasma etching systems, etc.
• Analyze production processes and machinery from a first principles, physics-based approach
• Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) to establish a stable and robust process.
• Identify and champion continuous improvement projects.  Perform defect characterization and analysis to determine root cause and develop action plans to improve yields.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines.
• Solve technical and emergent issues from manufacturing (part quality, machine reliability, process instability, etc.)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, or experience with fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis (internship or project team experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in an engineering related discipline
• 10+ years hands-on project experience with complex fluid or mechanical based production systems
• 10+ years of professional experience in design and analysis
• Experience with applying lean manufacturing principles
• Experience with taking products from research and development into production
• Experience with PCB manufacturing processes like metal plating, chemical etching, water treatment, and/or plasma etching systems in a production setting and a good understanding of the costs and schedule and complexity associated with each process

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for potentially extended periods of time including international
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  

Pay range:    Manufacturing Engineer/Principal: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.