Reliability Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield) Verified today

About the role

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As a Reliability Engineer for satellite systems, you will investigate, analyze, and track the reliability of hardware within the Starshield satellite constellation. Your daily work will include working cross-team with design, production, and operations engineers to take actions in response to on-orbit data. You will use failure investigation and data analysis skills to achieve root cause for on-orbit hardware anomalies. You will create comprehensive monitoring systems to ensure the whole fleet stays healthy. You will provide data-driven insight at multiple points in the design and production process to proactively drive design and production reliability improvement.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and track on-orbit hardware failures for the Starshield satellite constellation
• Drive root cause investigation for major on-orbit hardware anomalies
• Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, test, operations, production) to eliminate sources of on-orbit failure
• Drive continual improvements to the constellation by building and using tools to analyze data collected both on-orbit and in ground testing
• Continuously improve the feedback loop from space using effective communication and automation

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or another STEM discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience in hardware development, hardware troubleshooting, or data analysis (internship, co-op, and extracurricular experiences are applicable)
• 1+ years of experience with Python or SQL

Preferred skills and experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or data science
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
• Strong understanding of time series data analysis and reliability statistics
• Strong understanding of failure mechanisms for electronic, mechanical, or optical systems
• Experience leading failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Experience performing environmental tests such as HALT/HASS campaigns, thermal cycling, vibration and shock testing, space environment effects testing
• Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one

Compensation and benefits

Pay range:

• Level 1: $100,000 - $130,000 annually
• Level 2: $115,000 - $160,000 annually

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is 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. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Additional requirements

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to meet mission-critical deadlines
• If active clearance is held, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing for sensitive SpaceX missions
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (ITAR requirement)