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Lead Hardware Reliability Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

As a Lead Hardware Reliability Engineer at SpaceX, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will work on the Starlink Product that will enable SpaceX to provide Wi-Fi Internet anywhere around the globe. You will own production quality for the dish, router, and SMT lines in the new Bastrop factory. You will own the quality landscape including defect processing, MRB, and containments, and take a lead role in the execution of the reliability demonstration test matrix to prove out new production lines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and mentor a small team of engineers and quality specialists focused on production quality and root cause for Starlink Dish, Wi-Fi routers, and Power Supplies
  • Oversee containments, MRB (material review board), quality metrics, training, and applicable command media for factory compliance
  • Enforce quality requirements, and develop process specifications to increase first pass yield
  • Identify inefficiencies, and drive process improvements accordingly
  • Create a collaborative environment with supply chain, production, and engineering to define necessary processes, space layout, and success criteria (i.e. root cause, refurb cycle time)
  • Collaborate with EIS to implement automated tools to aid execution of set tasks
  • Develop individual team members by enabling opportunities suited to each individual that align with the strategic goals of the Starlink Product program
  • Allocate resources appropriately to ensure successful day-to-day operations to process customer returns, troubleshoot failures and refurbish units and support production quality milestones
  • Maintain ISO9001 certification as required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of executing complex projects in team environments

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering
  • Experience with high-volume manufacturing
  • Demonstrated experience training and mentoring junior engineers
  • Demonstrated experience working in a highly adaptive and iterative environment
  • Ability to influence other organizations through strong engineering/business rationale and data
  • Ability to effectively organize, assign and track work/deliverables
  • Ability to define scope of work independently and execute accordingly
  • Ability to identify and analyze production process improvements for rate and quality
  • Experience with PCB, PCBA and Electromechanical assembly processes
  • Working experience in an AS9100 or equivalent quality system
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • 2+ years in a leadership position leading a team of 5+ people

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and offsite as needed
  • This position is located onsite in Bastrop, TX and will require relocation if not local to the area. Remote or hybrid work is not available

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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