SMT Specialist

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.

Join a fast-paced, world-class avionics production team. Collaborate with highly skilled, driven engineers and help achieve ambitious goals. As an SMT Specialist, you will manage and maintain production equipment while training technicians to operate it: enabling high-rate, high-quality builds for Starlink.

• Lead new product introduction (NPI) builds and process development/validation across all work centers under aggressive timelines
• Assist with PCBA line setup, facility requests, equipment programming, and specification of new equipment requirements
• Program, load, operate, optimize, and configure automated SMT equipment and processes for high-reliability electronics assemblies
• Design custom fixtures to improve process flow and efficiency
• Train technicians on operation and troubleshooting of complex machines
• Define equipment maintenance schedules and support activities
• Perform design of experiments (DOE) and identify continuous improvement opportunities to increase yield, performance, and cost efficiency
• Develop Design for Manufacturability (DFM) guidelines and provide design feedback through close collaboration with engineering during design, build, and test phases
• Streamline space-grade PCBA assembly and test processes (including reflow soldering, selective soldering, conformal coating, flying probe, AOI, and functional testing)
• Triage non-conforming product, drive root-cause resolution and preventive actions, and resolve production issues on the spot while protecting design integrity, quality, and schedule

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math or science discipline
• 2+ years of experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering

• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware
• Hands on experience with optimizing SMT pick and place, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through hole soldering systems

• Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position

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  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…