Mechanical Hardware Test Engineer - Failure Analysis (Starlink) Verified today
Mechanical Hardware Test Engineer - Failure Analysis (Starlink)
As a Mechanical Hardware Test Engineer, you will solve high-impact problems for the Starlink network. SpaceX is producing complex vacuum amplifier hardware at unprecedented production rates. This role is critical to ensuring reliability at scale, requiring strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
Responsibilities
- Perform detailed failure analysis of novel high-voltage vacuum amplifiers on both new-production and active-service units
- Perform advanced physical failure analysis using SEM, FIB, EDS, cross-sectioning, and related techniques to identify failure mechanisms in functional materials
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes
- Apply physics-of-failure principles and develop deep knowledge of vacuum tube failure modes to determine root causes
- Develop and improve failure analysis techniques and workflows to support new manufacturing technologies and advanced materials
- Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions to address non-conforming products
- Drive continual improvements to designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected in the field and lab
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or other STEM discipline
- 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships, co-ops, and extracurriculars acceptable)
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master's degree in STEM discipline
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills
- Experience with electronics, mechanical design, analysis, and knowledge of RF principles
- Direct experience with hardware failure analysis tools and techniques (SEM, FIB, EDS, cross-sectioning, fault isolation, or equivalent)
- Experience analyzing complex datasets with Python and AI
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
- Ability to work in a cleanroom or ESD-controlled environment when required
Compensation and Benefits
Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000 - $135,000; Level 2: $115,000 - $165,000. Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Benefits include long-term incentives in company stock or cash awards, potential discretionary bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays annually. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time per state and federal law. Company shuttles offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant 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.