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.

 

PROCESS ENGINEER (AVIONICS MANUFACTURING)

Our avionics group works to design, analyze, qualify, manufacture, test, and integrate all the electronic hardware and software for our F9 and Dragon vehicles. The avionics manufacturing engineering team is specifically responsible for developing and supporting the production process of all avionics assemblies. The team is also responsible for design for manufacturing (DFM), production yield and efficiency improvements, and tooling design.  This role will directly support equipment and processes needed for PCBA production at SpaceX and will interact with design and manufacturing teams across the entire avionics system.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Optimize and configure processes and equipment for building surface mount electronics assemblies
• Perform design of experiments (DOE) to optimize SMT process yield
• Specify equipment requirements for new PCBA build processes
• Develop design for manufacturability (DFM) guidelines for PCBA designs
• Provide solutions to streamline space-grade circuit board assembly and test processes which may include flying probe, AOI, functional testing, reflow soldering, selective soldering, and conformal coating
• Resolves production issues on the spot while ensuring design integrity allowing us to stay on schedule
• Facilitate a close relationship with the engineering team during design, build, and test to provide design feedback
• Lead efforts to uncover root-cause and develop permanent resolutions on issues found during production
• Develop a robust set of test machinery that includes critical spares for ensuring complete uptime
• Determine schedule impacts for unforeseen design or process changes in production
• Provide clear communication between the design engineering team and the production floor
• Concerning product tooling, confer with engineering teams and suppliers to ensure efficient production methods and schedules
• Utilize lean manufacturing tools; recommend improvements in production methods, standards, tooling, equipment, layout, procedures, product designs, and employee efficiency
• Support the transition of products from development to volume production
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, performance, and cost
• Work with the design team in response to manufacturing problems, parts obsolescence, and minor requirement changes
• Prepare and maintain documentation required to ensure efficient production
• Participate in design reviews to conduct DFM and DFT recommendations with innovative and cost effective solutions

 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering 
• At least 3 years of direct experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering

 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of direct experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering
• Hands-on experience with optimizing SMT pick and place, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through hole soldering systems
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position may require long hours and weekends

 

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

 

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

 

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.