PCB Engineering Specialist – Automated Fiber Placement (Starlink)

PCB ENGINEERING SPECIALIST – AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven specialists to drive manufacturing tools and processes, from initial concept development to full scale production.  You will drive the relationship between engineering, development, and production teams and will interact regularly with department leadership.  The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, security, and user experience of the products that you deliver.

As a Layup and Lamination Specialist on Starlink, you will take ownership of state-of-the-art production processes and equipment performance and reliability by monitoring process parameters and maintaining components, with a keen eye for leading indicators of instability or malfunction, and a drive to correct those issues in advance of undesirable events. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and operationalization of equipment, facilities, treatment and manufacturing process technologies necessary for high volume production. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute setup, integration, and sustaining of highly-automated alignment and lamination equipment
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate equipment including vision systems, 6-DOF robots, induction heaters, and roller conveyors
• Program, load, and operate automated equipment to coordinate various material inputs operating at an ultra-high rate
• Identify process improvements to increase productivity and yield while decreasing cost
• Work with engineers, technicians, and fabricators during design, build, and test to provide critical design feedback
• Form core understanding of process physics and fundamentals, such as induction heating, lamination mechanics, polymer science, and thermal tolerances, to enable continuous process optimization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math or science discipline; OR 3+ years’ experience working in composite layup and lamination

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate/bachelor’s degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• Experience with composite lamination, PCB production equipment, including layup, lamination, or flash trimming/routing processes
• Experience with MQTT, ModBus, TCP/IP, OPC UA, or other communication protocols
• Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced iterative design environment
• SPC knowledge and experience applying statistical methods to track process capability
• Demonstrated experience designing tooling in a manufacturing environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends as needed
• 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
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
• Able to stand, climb, walk and work with object overhead

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    
Starlink Specialist/Level 1: $30.00 – $38.00/hour    
Starlink Specialist/Level 2: $34.00 – $43.00/hour    
Starlink Specialist/Level 3: $38.00 – $48.00/hour    
    
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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.