Lead Integration & Test Engineer (Starshield) Verified today

About Starshield

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. Designed for government use, Starshield focuses on Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Starshield satellites integrate diverse payloads and deploy at scale with rapid iteration and launch capability.

The Role

You will lead and grow a team of engineers and specialists charged with developing, scaling, and maintaining manufacturing facilities and processes to build, test, integrate, and launch satellite hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team in defining processes, shaping build, test, and shipping infrastructure, and designing fixtures, tools, and production aids for satellites and subassemblies
• Support day-to-day execution of hardware production and vehicle integration
• Ensure satellite manufacturing is safe, secure, reliable, on time, cost effective and efficient, and produces satellites that perform properly on orbit
• Challenge design requirements, delete unnecessary process steps, simplify and optimize production, accelerate build rates, and increase automation
• Implement continuous improvements to production controls and minimize errors
• Maintain working knowledge of each satellite system: design, schematics, operations, manufacturing, testing, and flight
• Increase program manufacturing and testing capabilities and capacity
• Evaluate non-conformances and identify root cause patterns to drive system improvements
• Identify team growth opportunities and develop training to increase engineering effectiveness
• Set clear goals and hold team members accountable for execution and improvement
• Own relationships with design, supply chain, mission management, Starshield customers, and partner teams

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 2+ years of professional design and/or manufacturing experience in aerospace, automotive, industrial, or consumer electronics
• 1+ years of leadership experience leading teams, projects or people

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience
• 3+ years of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects or people
• Previous experience in a professional leadership role
• Master's degree in engineering or related discipline
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, work ethic, and drive to succeed
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with build, integration, and testing of complex propulsion, thermal, electrical and/or structural parts, assemblies, and systems
• Experience working in a production environment with high rate and high mix of products
• Experience in rapidly evolving and schedule-driven production environments with process development from R&D to high-volume manufacturing
• Experience making impactful decisions using engineering intuition and critical thinking without all information available
• Professional experience with large assembly moves (e.g., crane operations)
• Experience writing work instructions, test plans, and procedures
• Experience with documentation and configuration management
• Experience with mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis using 3D CAD
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment capabilities
• Experience with PCB/PCBA fabrication and testing methodologies
• Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and complex tolerance stack-ups
• Basic proficiency with SQL, Power BI, and database tools
• Knowledge of quality tools: Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, APQP, Metrology, PFMEA, Control Plans, and problem-solving approaches

Working Conditions

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed
• Travel to SpaceX and partner facilities up to 10%
• Very hands-on role requiring extended time on feet (up to 4 hours), climbing ladders, stooping, bending, crawling, and working in tight spaces
• An active clearance may provide opportunity to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing if applicable

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $155,000.00 to $215,000.00 per year. Actual level and salary determined case-by-case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total rewards include long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards), potential discretionary bonuses, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays per year, and paid sick leave.

US Citizenship Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be: (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.