SMT Process Engineer

SpaceX
Bastrop, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level engineers with SMT or PCBA experience who thrive in fast-paced production environments and can drive process improvements.

Best fit for

  • Engineers with hands-on SMT processing experience seeking high-volume production challenges.
    — “Hands-on experience working in SMT processing and/or related PCBA processes
  • Candidates who can balance autonomy with teamwork in demanding settings.
    — “Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment
  • Data-driven professionals skilled in statistical process analysis.
    — “Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods such as experiment design, process capability analysis, and Gauge R&R

Things to consider

  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs and work extended hours.
    — “Ability to life heavy objects, up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Requires US citizenship or permanent residency due to ITAR.
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national
  • 10% ongoing business travel expected.
    — “Able to travel for business trips up to 10% on an ongoing basis

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific instances where you improved SMT production quality metrics.
    — “Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability
  • Demonstrate experience with SQL/Python for data-driven process improvements.
    — “Experience with SQL and Python
  • Showcase Six Sigma certification or methodology applications in past roles.
    — “Experience with Six Sigma
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid

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

What success looks like

  • Improved product quality and reliability
  • Optimized production processes
  • Enhanced production line safety
Typical background
Manufacturing engineeringSMT process engineeringQuality assurance

Skills & requirements

Required

PCBA ManufacturingSMT Process EngineeringQuality ManagementProcess ImprovementManufacturing ExecutionTraceability TrackingProcess ControlDesign For Manufacturability

Preferred

High Volume Production ExperienceIPC Manufacturing StandardsSQLPythonSix SigmaFailure Analysis Tools

Stack & domain

Manufacturing EngineeringSurface Mount TechnologyAccelerated TestingHardware DebugPrinted Circuit Board DesignSQLPythonIpc Manufacturing StandardsSix SigmaFailure Analysis ToolsProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationProject ManagementPcba ManufacturingQuality ControlProduction Line Safety

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.

SMT PROCESS ENGINEER (STARLINK)

The Starlink PCBA Engineer will work inside the production organization to develop, manage, and improve the PCBA manufacturing process. Starlink needs the ability to continuously improve the quality and reliability of its products and production lines. This role looks to design production lines suitable to meet necessary rate, work with equipment suppliers to install and validate new equipment, and continuously seeks to improve the production process. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and quality tools and have the motivation to work with supply chain to build a premium product at commercial scale volume.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own and manage PCBA manufacturing processes and PCBA products for in-house production

Drive processes for volume production of PCBA including manufacturing execution, nonconforming product management, configuration management, traceability tracking, and process control

Manage new product introduction of PCBA assemblies, working closely with design engineers and process specialists

Use process capability analysis, gauge R&R, and other tools to lead new equipment selection

Design and implement systems to improve the safety of the PCBA production line

Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training

Track schedule, work-in-progress levels, and defect rates of owned products

Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability

Provide feedback to the engineering design team to improve design for manufacturability

Identify, root-cause, and correct SMT production and testing issues

Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: manufacturing engineering, surface mount technology (SMT), accelerated testing, hardware debug/triage, design for reliability, or printed circuit board (PCB) design and layout (school and project experience will qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)

Hands-on experience working in SMT processing and/or related PCBA processes from industry, research, or academic projects

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment

Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards

Experience with SQL and Python

Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods such as experiment design, process capability analysis, and Gauge R&R

Experience with Six Sigma

Experience with basic failure analysis tools and methods (X-ray, cross-section, polishing)

Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and use data to drive systemic improvements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to life heavy objects, up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

Able to travel for business trips up to 10% on an ongoing basis

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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