EEE Failure Analysis Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX
Redmond, WA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Candidates with hands-on technical expertise in semiconductor and PCBA failure analysis will find this collaborative, fast-paced role in the Starlink domain.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 5+ years in semiconductor and PCBA reliability and a strong background in both destructive and non-destructive analysis techniques.
    — “5+ years of experience in semiconductor, package, and/or PCBA reliability”
  • Individuals with a material science background and a history of working in tight spaces with power tools.
    — “Must be comfortable working in tight spaces”
  • Candidates who can balance independent problem-solving with team collaboration and have a track record of handling detailed, high-stakes analysis tasks.
    — “Able to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision”

Things to consider

  • The role requires physical capabilities such as lifting 25 lbs and handling corrosive chemicals.
    — “Must be comfortable handling corrosive chemicals using proper PPE”
  • The position necessitates a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to ITAR export regulations.
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with semiconductor analysis techniques like OBIRCH and FIB in your resume and interviews.
    — “Experience with semiconductor analysis techniques OBIRCH, photo emission analysis, thermal emission analysis, FIB, etc.”
  • Emphasize your ability to interface with multiple engineering groups and support cross-functional investigations.
    — “interface with PCBA production, Supplier Development, Reliability, and EEE Piece Part groups”
  • Demonstrate your ability to work in fast-paced environments with real-world examples of handling multiple priorities.
    — “comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment”
  • Showcase your experience with First Article Inspection Reports and your organizational skills in managing complex data.
    — “Support efforts on First Article Inspection Reports”
  • Position yourself as a detail-oriented engineer who can provide targeted support during critical qualification test efforts.
    — “Provide targeted surge support for company critical analyses or qualification test efforts”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Supported destructive and non-destructive analyses during development phases
  • Assisted with analyses into piece part failures
  • Provided targeted surge support for company critical analyses
Typical background
BS in Material Science or related field5+ years of experience in semiconductor, package, and/or PCBA reliability

Skills & requirements

Required

Failure AnalysisSMT ManufacturingEEE Piece PartsNon-destructive AnalysisDestructive AnalysisSemiconductor Analysis

Preferred

Material ScienceElectrical Troubleshooting

Stack & domain

SMT ManufacturingEEE Piece PartsFailure Analysis EquipmentNon-destructive Analysis TechniquesDestructive Analysis TechniquesSemiconductor Analysis TechniquesSpacecraftSatelliteElectronics

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

EEE FAILURE ANALYSIS ENGINEER (STARLINK)  

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team. 

The Failure Analysis Engineer will interface with PCBA production, Supplier Development, Reliability, and EEE Piece Part groups. Familiarity with SMT manufacturing, EEE piece parts, and failure analysis equipment for both destructive and non-destructive analysis is required. Working directly in the Failure Analysis laboratory, this position will support the analysis of failures observed in production, determine the quality of the manufacturing process, and support investigations into nonconforming product.  The goal of the team is to support this analysis through all phases of product life-cycles, including build and test of pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware, as well as supporting existing production lines.  The ideal candidate is highly skilled in mechanical and electrical disciplines, hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, works well in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a can-do attitude.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support destructive and non-destructive analyses during development and pre-production phases of hardware life-cycles, including pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware

Support engineering in analysis of rework and recovery efforts on non-conforming hardware 

Assist with analyses into piece part failures, as well as non-conforming material 

Support efforts on First Article Inspection Reports 

Provide targeted surge support for company critical analyses or qualification test efforts

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

BS in Material Science or related field 

5+ years of experience in semiconductor, package, and/or PCBA reliability 

3+ years of work experience Failure analysis on semiconductor packages and devices

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment 

Experience with non-destructive analysis techniques such as Visual Inspection, X-Ray, CT scan, SEM, CSAM, curve tracing, etc.

Experience with destructive analysis techniques such as Cross Section, Parallel Lapping and Polishing, dye and pry, and chemical decapsulation

Experience with semiconductor analysis techniques OBIRCH, photo emission analysis, thermal emission analysis, FIB, etc.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

MS in Material Science or advanced degree in a related field 

7+ years of experience in semiconductor, package, and/or PCBA reliability

4+ years of work experience Failure analysis on semiconductor packages and devices

Understanding of basic electronic theory

Experience in electrical trouble shooting

Able to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision

Positive attitude and able to work well on a team

Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail

Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail

Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted

Must be comfortable working in tight spaces

Must be comfortable using power tools like saws and sanders

Must be comfortable using hand tools like awls, hammers, or shears

Must be comfortable in handling corrosive chemicals using proper PPE 

Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls

Must be willing to work all shifts, over time, and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    

Level I: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year    

Level II: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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