PCBA Manufacturing Engineer, External; Starshield

Overview

PCBA Manufacturing Engineer, External (Starshield) – Hawthorne, CA

Starshield leverages Space

X’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. Starshield is designed for government use, with initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team builds highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designs secure systems, and advances next-gen communication and sensing software.

• Own and manage PCBA processes and PCBA products for the Starshield supply chain
• Own continuity of supply for electronic products on the Starshield program, ensuring internal production has infeed assemblies to meet program level volume targets
• Collaborate with design engineers to gain knowledge of piece part, assembly, and sub-system design intent
• Support procurement to strategically source parts by reviewing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Create and define supplier technical requirements and flow downs to meet hardware manufacturing needs
• Implement and monitor the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
• Assure supplier understanding of product and submission requirements
• Develop and approve process controls to manage critical characteristics
• Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and defect opportunities
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and drive supplier improvement plans
• Provide feedback on manufacturing methods to reduce costs, shorten cycle times, and increase yields
• Function as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues
• Drive supplier corrective actions for any escapes or containments identified in Production and Supply Chain
• Collaborate with teams, lead projects, and drive continuous improvement in the supply base with focus on reducing cycle time, cost, and scrap

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science engineering, hardware engineering, engineering physics, or related field
• 1+ years of experience in PCBA manufacturing, SMT processing, and/or microelectronics packaging
• 1+ years in a manufacturing, reliability, and/or design engineering role (student project team or internship qualifies)

• Knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, AQP, First Article, etc.)
• Knowledge of statistical techniques (design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Experience with quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
• Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards
• Knowledge of lean concepts
• Experience with basic failure analysis tools (X-ray, cross-section, polishing)
• Experience communicating with and influencing across organizations
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to present to suppliers, team members, and management
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance

• Role is in office in Hawthorne, CA
• Active clearance may be required for sensitive Space
  
  X missions; pre-employment drug testing and random drug/alcohol testing may apply
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends to meet critical deadlines
• Travel up to 25-60% of work week may be required
• Valid driver’s license

Pay range:

Supplier Development Engineer/Level I: $ - $ per year

Supplier Development Engineer/Level II: $ - $ per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of total rewards, with potential stock options, bonuses, and stock purchase plan options. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k); disability and life insurance; paid parental leave; paid vacation and holidays; sick leave for exempt employees.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit and qualifications and not on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status.

Applicants should contact  for accommodation in the application/interview process.