Sr. Failure Analysis Engineer (Starshield)

SR. FAILURE ANALYSIS ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) 

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. 

The Sr. Failure Analysis Engineer will interface with PCBA production, Supplier Development, Reliability, and EEE Piece Part groups. Familiarity with SMT manufacturing, EEE piece parts, and failure analysis equipment for both destructive and non-destructive analysis is required. Working directly in the Failure Analysis laboratory, this position will support the analysis of failures observed in production, determine the quality of the manufacturing process, and support investigations into nonconforming product.  The goal of the team is to support this analysis through all phases of product life-cycles, including build and test of pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware, as well as supporting existing production lines.  The ideal candidate is highly skilled in mechanical and electrical disciplines, hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, works well in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a can-do attitude. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support destructive and non-destructive analyses during development and pre-production phases of hardware life-cycles, including pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware
• Support engineering in analysis of rework and recovery efforts on non-conforming hardware 
• Assist with analyses into piece part failures, as well as non-conforming material 
• Support efforts on First Article Inspection Reports 
• Provide targeted surge support for company critical analyses or qualification test efforts 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in material science, electrical engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline 
• 5+ years of experience in semiconductor, package, and/or PCBA reliability 
• 4+ years of work experience failure analysis on semiconductor packages and devices 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master's degree in material science or advanced degree in a related field 
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor, package, and/or PCBA reliability 
• 7+ years of work experience failure analysis on semiconductor packages and devices 
• Experience with non-destructive analysis techniques such as Visual Inspection, X-Ray, CT scan, SEM, CSAM, curve tracing, etc. 
• Experience with destructive analysis techniques such as Cross Section, Parallel Lapping and Polishing, dye and pry, and chemical decapsulation. 
• Experience with semiconductor analysis techniques OBIRCH, photo emission analysis, thermal emission analysis, etc. 
• Understanding of basic electronic theory 
• Experience in electrical troubleshooting 
• Ability to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision 
• Ability to stay organized with strong attention to detail 
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Must be comfortable working in tight spaces
• Must be comfortable using power tools like saws and sanders
• Must be comfortable using hand tools like awls, hammers, or shears
• Must be comfortable in handling corrosive chemicals using proper PPE 
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls
• Must be willing to work all shifts, over time, and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  

Pay range: 

Senior: $135,000 - $195,000/per year 

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

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, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.