Electrical On-orbit Reliability Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) Verified today

Electrical On-Orbit Hardware Reliability Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX operates Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation, providing broadband internet to millions of users. As a Satellite On-Orbit Hardware Reliability Engineer, you will track, investigate, and analyze electrical and mechanical hardware failure modes across this unprecedented fleet of thousands of satellites.

Your work combines hardware testing, on-orbit data analysis, and collaboration with design, production, and operations teams to respond to on-orbit anomalies. You will use electrical engineering analysis, statistical methods, and on-orbit experiments to determine root causes. Your insights will shape design and production decisions across Starlink's full engineering process, from component-level physics to constellation-wide implications.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and track on-orbit hardware failures for the Starlink satellite constellation
• Drive root cause investigation for major on-orbit hardware anomalies
• Perform electrical bench testing and develop engineering models to root cause and mitigate hardware anomalies
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, test, operations, and production engineers to eliminate sources of on-orbit failure
• Build and use tools to analyze data collected on-orbit and in ground testing
• Improve feedback loops from space through effective communication and automation

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in hardware development, hardware troubleshooting, or data analysis (internship or co-op experience accepted)
• 1+ years of experience with Python and/or SQL

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering discipline
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Experience analyzing and designing electrical circuits and developing functional test plans
• Experience with PCBA test equipment and measurement techniques (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit)
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
• Strong understanding of time series data analysis and reliability statistics
• Strong understanding of failure mechanisms for electronic, mechanical, or optical systems
• Experience leading failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Experience performing environmental tests such as HALT, HASS campaigns, thermal cycling, vibration and shock testing, space environment effects testing

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

Compensation

Level 1: $105,000 - $145,000 per year
Level 2: $120,000 - $175,000 per year

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and discounted stock purchases through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; 3 weeks of paid vacation; 10+ paid holidays per year; and various discounts and perks. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.