PCB Reliability Engineer

About the role

In this role, you will play a vital part in the design and manufacturing processes of printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are essential for satellite systems, gateway technology, and consumer electronics. Your primary focus will be on ensuring that the PCBs meet the rigorous quality and reliability standards required for the Starlink program. Additionally, your contributions will support the Starshield initiative, which is crucial for national security applications.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and design PCB stackups tailored for innovative board designs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with design engineers and the supply chain to introduce and validate new materials that enhance PCB functionality.
• Plan and execute comprehensive reliability testing campaigns for PCBs intended for high-volume production, ensuring they meet industry standards.
• Oversee Design for Manufacturability (DFM) processes during design releases, including documentation and effective communication with vendors.
• Analyze production trends and identify opportunities to improve product output, enhance quality, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Provide constructive feedback to engineering teams to facilitate improvements in manufacturability and design efficiency.
• Conduct thorough investigations to identify root causes of reliability failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices to ensure compliance and excellence in PCB design and manufacturing.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or manufacturing engineering is required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in PCB reliability or fabrication is essential.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to comply with ITAR regulations.
• Familiarity with PCB design software and tools is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions based on findings.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges in PCB reliability.

Nice to have

• Experience with PCB materials and fabrication processes in an industrial context is advantageous.
• Knowledge of IPC manufacturing standards will be beneficial.
• Experience in conducting failure analysis investigations using techniques such as X-Ray, cross-sectioning, and polishing is a plus.
• Understanding of statistical methods, including experimental design and process capability analysis, is desirable.
• Proven track record of collecting, analyzing, and applying data to drive systemic improvements in manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effective collaboration within teams.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in X-Ray analysis techniques.
• Experience with cross-sectioning methods for PCB evaluation.
• Familiarity with polishing techniques for PCB surface preparation.

Practical notes

This position may require working extended hours and weekends to meet critical project milestones. Travel of up to 25% may be necessary for collaboration with suppliers or for on-site evaluations. Candidates with an active security clearance may have opportunities to participate in sensitive SpaceX missions, which will include pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing protocols.

The annual salary for a Level 1 PCB Reliability Engineer ranges from $105,000 to $122,500, while a Level 2 position offers a salary range of $120,000 to $150,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, skills, and educational background. The total rewards package includes potential long-term incentives such as stock options or cash bonuses, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits encompass comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various employee discounts. Employees will accrue three weeks of paid vacation and receive more than ten paid holidays each year, in addition to paid sick leave. Those with an active security clearance will receive a 10% differential, which can amount to an additional $20,000 annually, upon being briefed into a classified program.