Supplier Development Engineer, SMT (Starlink)

About the role

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 engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

As a Supplier Development Engineer focused on Surface Mount Technology (SMT) for Starlink, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and scalability of PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) manufacturing at our global suppliers. You will lead New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts, drive process improvements, and manage the ramp-up of SMT production lines to meet SpaceX's high-volume demands.

This position requires deep technical expertise in SMT processes, hands-on experience with PCBA manufacturing, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers worldwide. Based in Bastrop, Texas, you will report to the Supplier Development Engineering team lead and contribute to the rapid iteration and production scaling of Starlink hardware.

Responsibilites

• Lead supplier qualification, development, and ongoing performance management for SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with SpaceX quality standards and production timelines.
• Drive NPI activities for new SMT lines, including process validation, equipment selection, and yield optimization at supplier facilities around the world.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing defects, process inefficiencies, and quality issues in SMT assembly, such as solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI).
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production failures, utilizing tools like PFMEA, DOE, and SPC to improve process capability and reduce defects per million opportunities (DPMO).
• Collaborate with SpaceX design, manufacturing, and quality teams to incorporate DFM/DFA feedback into supplier processes
• Travel to supplier sites (up to 50%) to audit facilities, oversee ramp-ups, and provide on-site technical support for high-volume SMT production.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, KPIs, and continuous improvement plans focused on cost reduction, yield enhancement, and supply chain resilience.
• Support the transition from prototype to mass production, including capacity planning, equipment upgrades, and automation integration for SMT lines.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) and SpaceX-specific requirements for mission-critical electronics.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience in PCBA manufacturing, with a focus on SMT processes (e.g., screen printing, pick-and-place, reflow, wave soldering, and inspection).
• Hands-on experience with SMT equipment from manufacturers such as Fuji, Panasonic, DEK, or similar, including programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in SMT engineering, including leadership roles in supplier development or process engineering for complex consumer electronics systems.
• Expertise in advanced SMT technologies, such as fine-pitch components, BGA/CSP assembly, selective soldering, and high-mix/low-volume to high-volume transitions.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma certification, or Lean manufacturing principles applied to SMT environments.
• Knowledge of environmental testing and reliability standards for consumer electronics (e.g., vibration, thermal cycling).
• Prior experience in the consumer electronics industry, particularly with high volume hardware assembly.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record in NPI and production ramp-up for high-volume electronics manufacturing, preferably in consumer electronics.
• Strong understanding of PCBA failure modes, defect analysis, and quality control methodologies (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, Pareto).

Additional Requirements

• Position is based in Bastrop, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel: Up to 50% work week travel may be required
• Valid driver's license

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.