Hardware Reliability Specialist (Starlink)

As a Hardware Reliability Specialist at SpaceX, you will be responsible for executing production non-conformance management processes, analyzing defect data, and holding quality build reviews. Your focus will be on maintaining the integrity of printed circuit board (PCB) production processes to ensure high quality. This includes building relationships with teams across the company to help eliminate production defects and monitoring production yields.

The basic qualifications for a Hardware Reliability Specialist at SpaceX include a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or quality fields. While not mandatory, a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and hands-on defect management experience in a high-paced production environment are highly valued.

A successful Hardware Reliability Specialist at SpaceX should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and a strong technical understanding of satellite subsystems. Familiarity with tools like MS Excel, SQL, and Python, along with experience reading engineering drawings, will also benefit you significantly in this role.

The Hardware Reliability Specialist position at SpaceX is based onsite in Bastrop, TX. Remote work is not considered for this role, as it involves hands-on responsibilities in a high-volume PCB production environment.

The Hardware Reliability Specialist role at SpaceX requires flexibility with working hours, including all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed, with estimated shift times spanning from 6 AM to 12 AM. Additionally, candidates should be open to traveling up to 15% for work-related purposes.

In answering this question, highlight your experience with non-conformance management procedures and the approaches you take to identify and rectify defects efficiently. Provide examples of past experiences that showcase your ability to analyze defect data and implement corrective measures.

Describe your communication strategies, emphasizing clarity and urgency when sharing quality issues with your team. Discuss how you ensure information is effectively conveyed and actions are promptly taken.

Provide specific instances where you have successfully implemented process improvements in a production environment. Discuss your analytical abilities and problem-solving mindset, along with how you measure the success of those improvements.

Discuss the software and methodologies you are familiar with, such as MS Excel, SQL, or Python, and your experience with analyzing production yield data. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've used these tools effectively in previous roles.

Talk about strategies you employ to monitor and enhance First Pass Yield, including establishing quality standards, conducting audits, and working with production teams to ensure compliance with these standards.

Share a detailed account of a specific situation where you faced a quality challenge, how you diagnosed the issue, and the steps you took to resolve it. Highlight the outcome and any lessons learned from the experience.

Explain your approach to teamwork, underscoring the importance of relationship-building in achieving common goals, particularly related to quality assurance and production. Provide examples illustrating how you’ve successfully collaborated with diverse teams.

Share your strategies for continuous learning, such as attending workshops, following industry publications, or participating in forums. Show your commitment to professional development in the engineering domain.

Discuss your knowledge of how satellite subsystems operate and function, focusing on any relevant experiences that demonstrate your technical understanding. This knowledge is critical for a Hardware Reliability Specialist role at SpaceX.

Reflect your passion for the aerospace industry and how working at SpaceX aligns with your career goals. Share what excites you about contributing to Starlink and improving global connectivity through advanced technology.