This role pays less than
87%
of similar roles. Most pay
$137,500–$197,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$125k
versus about
$168k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
793 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 557 roles with salary data.
As a Hardware Development Engineer, Failure Analysis (Starlink), you will join the team responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of satellite and gateway hardware. You will perform detailed failure analysis on PCBAs and electronic components to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Your daily work involves collaborating with cross-functional teams across electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain departments to improve manufacturing processes and product robustness. You will utilize schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes while conducting benchtop environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, and TVAC. The role requires proficiency in Python or C/C++ for automation, experience with oscilloscopes and soldering, and knowledge of RF electronics, power electronics, and digital communication interfaces like SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, and RS422 to solve complex electrical engineering challenges within the satellite network.
Perform detailed failure analysis on satellite and gateway hardware to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Use schematics and test equipment to conduct investigations on PCBAs and other electronic components.
Monitor yield rates and quality metrics to drive improvements for non-conforming products.
Conduct benchtop environmental testing to validate the robustness of hardware products.
Provide technical guidance to production and field operations regarding failure resolution and process improvements.
Maintain thorough documentation of all failure analysis findings, test results, and corrective actions.
Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or an equivalent STEM discipline.
1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships and co-ops acceptable).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
Master's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline (preferred).
3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware (preferred).
Experience with digital/mixed-signal designs, power electronics, RF electronics, and test equipment like oscilloscopes and soldering tools (preferred).
Proficiency in Python or C/C++ for test automation and data analysis (preferred).
Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and corrective action (preferred).
Failure Analysis
PCBAs
Python
C
C++
Oscilloscope
Spectrum Analyzer
Network Analyzer
Vector Signal Generator
Source Measurement Unit
HALT
HASS
Lean
Six Sigma
Root Cause Analysis
Metrology
Thermal Analysis
Python
C
C++
TwinCAT
RF Engineering
Automated Testing
PLC
Oscilloscope
Spectrum Analyzer
Network Analyzer
Vector Signal Generator
HALT
HASS
Power Electronics
Avionics