Hardware Reliability Engineer (Starlink Satellites)

As a Hardware Reliability Engineer on the Starlink team at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include performing hands-on failure analysis to identify root causes of production and on-orbit failures, driving corrective actions to improve product reliability, quality, and factory throughput. You will also develop and implement production processes to maintain consistent quality, create data analysis programs to monitor production yield and failure rates, and conduct build quality reviews to enhance manufacturability.

To apply for the Hardware Reliability Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and at least 1 year of experience in a design or manufacturing engineering role, which can include internship or project team experience. Advanced degrees and experience in cross-disciplinary engineering fields are preferred but not mandatory, welcoming applicants who align with our core values of enthusiasm and dedication.

SpaceX ensures the quality of its satellite hardware by implementing rigorous quality management systems, performing continuous reliability testing, and conducting regular inspections throughout the production process. The Hardware Reliability Engineer is key in collaborating with production teams to reduce in-process inspections while maintaining quality standards and facilitating clear communication about design intent to improve manufacturability.

The salary range for a Hardware Reliability Engineer at SpaceX varies depending on experience and level, with positions starting from $95,000 to $115,000 for Level I and ranging from $110,000 to $130,000 for Level II. Additionally, there are long-term incentives, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package to consider.

Advantageous skills for a Hardware Reliability Engineer at SpaceX include proficiency in programming and automation/scripting languages such as Python or C++, knowledge of quality tools like statistical process control and root cause analysis, and experience with mechatronics or similar cross-disciplinary fields. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills will also greatly enhance your effectiveness in this collaborative role.

When addressing a production failure, first analyze the failure data to identify root causes. Discuss how you assembled a cross-functional team to brainstorm solutions, and emphasize any steps you took to implement corrective actions, monitor progress, and improve future production reliability.

Discuss specific methodologies you've employed for reliability testing, including any metrics you used to assess outcomes. Highlight examples where your testing revealed crucial insights that led to design or process improvements and how you collaborated with your team to integrate these changes.

When discussing statistical process control, explain techniques like control charts or design of experiments that you've utilized. Give examples of how you've developed these strategies to enhance manufacturing processes, reduce variations, and improve overall product quality.

Outline your approach to prioritizing tasks, perhaps by using tools like project management software to track deadlines, allocate resources effectively, and communicate with teams. Highlight an example where juggling multiple projects led to successful outcomes, focusing on how your organizational skills played a key role.

Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to work across disciplines, whether with hardware, software, or manufacturing teams. Provide specific examples that illustrate how such collaboration led to innovative solutions, especially emphasizing communication and teamwork in the process.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning, such as participating in relevant workshops, online courses, industry conferences, or engaging with engineering communities. Mention specific publications or resources you follow to stay informed about emerging technologies and trends that affect your role.

Explain the process you encountered that required improvement, how you analyzed the existing quality management system, the changes you proposed, and the impact of those changes. Discuss the measurable outcomes achieved and any feedback you received from management or colleagues.

Select a project that presented notable challenges and describe your role in navigating them. Focus on any leadership you provided, how you problem-solved through obstacles, and the overall success achieved, reinforcing your impact on the team’s efforts.

Mention your proficiency in relevant programming languages and how you've used them in engineering tasks, such as automating processes, analyzing data, or improving designs. Provide a specific project example where programming made a significant difference in your workflow.

Describe your approach to respectfully voicing your perspective, perhaps by gathering data to support your view while remaining open to other opinions. Stress the importance of collaboration in arriving at the best design decisions, regardless of individual differences.