Mechanical Hardware Test Engineer

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.

MECHANICAL HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER – FAILURE ANALYSIS (STARLINK)

As a Mechanical Hardware Test Engineer, you will solve challenging, high impact problems for the Starlink network. We are producing complex vacuum amplifier hardware at orders of magnitude higher rate than anyone in history and this role will play a critical part in making it highly reliable. This requires extreme critical thinking skills and a desire to learn about nuanced, cutting edge technology. The most important skillset is demonstrated problem solving ability – in whatever form that may be.

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 both in the field and in the 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, AI