Electrical Test and Reliability Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
SpaceX · Redmond, WA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Reliability
- Base pay
- $105k–$145k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 1+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level reliability role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Redmond, WA. On-Orbit Reliability – monitor and support health of satellite electronics while in orbit, leading anomaly investigations, and performing lab experiments to replicate findings in orbit.
- They ask for
- 1+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation
- Base pay
- $105k–$145k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 13 other live reliability postings in Washington.
- Base pay
- In line with similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (1+ vs 3+)
Typical $105k–$145k, from 11 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 57%
- ✓ Python 57%
- ✓ Root cause 43%
- FMEA 21%
- Lean 21%
- DOE 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at SpaceX
We found 4 people at this company and state: 3 on the team, 1 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Matthew → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: SpaceX in Redmond
30 other open roles at this site · 4 people we found on the reliability team.
- Lead Operations Engineer · Production · Manager
- Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink Optical Products) · Controls
- Microelectronics Process Engineer (Optical Products) · Process
- Manufacturing Engineer, Components Test · Manufacturing
- EEE Component Reliability Engineer · Reliability
- Reliability Engineer · Reliability
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Design and develop automated test solutions for our avionics and payload hardware
- ◆Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
- ◆Write automation software in Python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, field data, and production documentation systems
- ◆Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight
- ◆Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, silicon design, etc.) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware
- ◆Perform electrical bench testing and develop engineering models of failures to replicate and inform mitigation of anomalies
- ◆Drive continual improvements to our designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both on-orbit and in the lab
- ◆Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
- ✓1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering (internship experience is acceptable)
Preferred skills and experience
- ✓Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree
- ✓Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
- ✓Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
- ✓Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs
- ✓Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product
requirements
(oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)
- ✓Thorough understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
- ✓Thorough understanding of electronics reliability and failure mechanisms
- ✓Thorough understanding and experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration and TVAC
- ✓Thorough understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis
- ✓Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
Requirements
- ✓Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
- ✓Some roles may require working on an “on-call” basis on a weeklong rotational schedule (On-Orbit Reliability only)
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Electrical test and reliability engineer, satellites (starlink)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.
As an Electrical Test and Reliability Engineer on Starlink, you’ll sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna engineering - ultimately ensuring that our satellite hardware can withstand the harsh environment of space and maintain communication with millions of users on a global scale. There are several sub-teams within the larger Starlink hardware engineering group at our Redmond facility, each with a different area of focus. These teams work with a wide range of technical disciplines including high-speed digital communication, network system integration, power systems integration, RF systems, avionics, network computers, power electronics, failure analysis, on-orbit reliability, and testing automation. Your placement on these teams will be determined throughout the interviewing process after factoring in technical fit, expertise, and your personal preference. Sub-teams include:
- •Gateways - design, build, and test electronics for the world's largest network of ground stations, which function as an intermediary between the satellites and our end-users to ensure smooth data transfer and transmission
- •Hardware Test and Automation – design validation and testing from initial concept development to full-scale production
- •Failure Analysis – root cause analysis of systemic production issues to drive design and process changes for improving product quality
- •On-Orbit Reliability – monitor and support health of satellite electronics while in orbit, leading anomaly investigations, and performing lab experiments to replicate findings in orbit
Pay Range
Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00
Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00
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 at SpaceX. You 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, p