Sr. Quality Engineer, Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing (Starlink)

The Sr. Quality Engineer at SpaceX is responsible for managing quality across all phases of printed circuit board manufacturing. This includes overseeing incoming goods, assembly processes, and outgoing products, while leading failure analysis, corrective actions, and reliability improvements. You'll collaborate closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure that all manufacturing standards are met, driving continuous improvement for our Starlink project.

To be considered for the Sr. Quality Engineer position at SpaceX, applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or similar disciplines, along with over 5 years of relevant professional experience in quality control and printed circuit board assembly. Preferred candidates will have advanced degrees and extensive industry experience in PCB quality and reliability.

Success as a Sr. Quality Engineer at SpaceX hinges on hands-on experience in PCB manufacturing, particularly in high-volume settings. Familiarity with quality tools like failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and 8D reporting is crucial, along with expertise in RF circuit design and PCB layout. A strong understanding of production processes, including chemical etching and automated optical inspection, will also benefit candidates.

The work culture at SpaceX is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a passion for groundbreaking technology. As a Sr. Quality Engineer, you’ll be part of a team that values hands-on problem-solving and encourages continuous learning. The focus on achieving ambitious goals, particularly in making Starlink affordable and accessible, creates a dynamic and challenging work environment.

Yes, as a Sr. Quality Engineer at SpaceX, you must comply with U.S. Government export regulations. The position requires U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility to obtain the necessary authorizations. This compliance is crucial for ensuring that all engineering work aligns with federal laws.

In answering this question, detail specific projects where you led quality assurance processes, emphasizing your role in managing protocols, conducting failure analyses, and driving corrective actions. Providing metrics on improvements achieved will enhance your response and showcase your impact.

Discuss your methodology for root cause analysis, including tools or frameworks you utilize, like Fishbone diagrams or the 5 Whys technique. Highlight specific examples of past PCB failures you've resolved to demonstrate your analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.

Share specific quality metrics you have developed or implemented that were tailored to PCB assembly. Discuss how these metrics improved operational efficiency, quality assurance, or customer satisfaction. Concrete examples will help illustrate your expertise.

In your response, illustrate your communication and collaboration skills by detailing a situation where you coordinated with different teams. Focus on the challenges faced, your role in facilitating discussions, and the successful outcome resulting from this teamwork.

Explain your systematic approach to managing quality excursions. Describe the immediate actions you take to contain the issue and how you subsequently analyze the data to inform permanent corrective actions. Convey the importance of urgency and thoroughness in your approach.

Discuss your strategies for staying updated, such as attending industry conferences, participating in workshops, and engaging with professional organizations. Mention specific journals or resources you follow, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.

Provide insights into any reliability testing methodologies you have employed in previous roles. Include specific tests you have overseen, the objectives they served, and how the results influenced product improvement decisions.

Outline your knowledge of IPC standards by specifying which ones you are well-versed in and how you’ve applied them in quality assurance processes. Discuss any compliance initiatives you were part of, demonstrating your alignment with industry standards.

Share examples of how you have identified process inefficiencies and led initiatives to enhance assembly line productivity. Focus on the impact these changes had on quality outcomes and overall team performance.

Express your enthusiasm for SpaceX's mission and how your skills align with the company's goals, particularly in advancing the Starlink project. Highlight your passion for innovation in engineering and the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technology.