Reliability Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield)

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.

RELIABILITY ENGINEER, SATELLITE SYSTEMS (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As a Reliability Engineer for satellite systems, you will investigate, analyze, and track the reliability of hardware within the Starshield satellite constellation. Your daily work will include working cross-team with design, production, and operations engineers to take actions in response on-orbit data. You will use a mixture of failure investigation and data analysis skills to achieve root cause for on-orbit hardware anomalies. You will create comprehensive monitor systems to ensure the whole fleet stay healthy. You will provide data-driven insight at multiple points in the design and production process to proactively drive design and production reliability improvement. Your experience will span the full scale of Starshield’s satellite engineering process: from the detailed physics of failure in a single component, to its implications for the entire constellation, to the decisions made for future designs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze and track on-orbit hardware failures for the Starshield satellite constellation
• Drive root cause investigation for major on-orbit hardware anomalies
• Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, test, operations, production) to eliminate sources of on-orbit failure
• Drive continual improvements to our constellation by building and using tools to analyze data collected both on-orbit and in ground testing
• Continuously improve the feedback loop from space using a mix of effective communication and automation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or another STEM discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience in hardware development, hardware troubleshooting, or data analysis (internship, co-op, and extracurricular experiences are applicable)
• 1+ years of experience with Python or SQL

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or data science
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
• Strong understanding of time series data analysis and reliability statistics
• Strong understanding of failure mechanisms for electronic, mechanical, or optical systems
• Experience leading failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Experience performing environmental tests such as HALT/HASS campaigns, thermal cycling, vibration and shock testing, space environment effects testing
• Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to meet mission-critical deadlines
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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.