Sr. PCB Reliability Engineer

About the role

Join the Starship team to develop high-performance electronics for deep space exploration. You will oversee the reliability and design of printed circuit boards intended for lunar and Martian missions. This position places you at the forefront of aerospace electronics, ensuring the integrity of critical hardware for interplanetary travel. You will be responsible for driving reliability initiatives that directly impact the success of demanding spaceflight objectives. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying risks before they escalate into mission-critical issues. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to align on aggressive development timelines. Your work will define the long-term durability and performance of hardware operating in extreme environments. This is an opportunity to apply advanced engineering principles to some of the most complex electronic challenges in the industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the creation of reliable PCBs for space travel by defining validation strategies and reliability metrics.
• Manage the full development and stack-up design for all Starship PCBs, coordinating with mechanical and electrical teams.
• Introduce new materials by coordinating with supply chain and design teams to qualify alternatives and mitigate shortages.
• Develop test plans and execute reliability campaigns for production volumes to verify long-term performance under stress.
• Oversee design for manufacturability (DFM) and facilitate communication between vendors and internal engineering to prevent defects.
• Analyze failure data to identify root causes and implement corrective actions that eliminate recurring issues.
• Optimize product quality, output, and cost through continuous feedback to design teams based on test results and field data.
• Perform statistical analysis on process data to detect trends and drive improvements in manufacturing yields.
• Support the development of in-house test procedures that align with aerospace standards and mission-specific requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing guidance on reliability best practices and problem-solving methodologies.
• Interface with regulatory teams to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards for spaceflight hardware.
• Track and report on key reliability indicators to stakeholders using clear visualizations and concise summaries.
• Conduct design reviews to assess risk and validate that board layouts meet stringent reliability targets.
• Implement failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) to proactively address vulnerabilities in new designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in electrical, chemical, materials, or manufacturing engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in PCB fabrication, design, or reliability.
• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the role and project needs.
• Willingness to adhere to strict documentation standards that govern all phases of hardware development.
• Demonstrated capability to work within a regulated environment with rigorous compliance protocols.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality, ensuring that all work aligns with company standards.
• Willingness to travel domestically for meetings, supplier visits, or project reviews as necessary.
• Preparedness to work extended hours and weekends to meet mission milestones without compromising quality.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in PCB fabrication processes and material science.
• Familiarity with IPC manufacturing standards.
• Experience with failure analysis tools such as X-Ray, cross-sectioning, and polishing.
• Knowledge of statistical methods including process capability analysis and design of experiments.
• Experience with board layout in any ECAD software.
• Ability to manage cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment.

Practical notes

• This position requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends to meet mission milestones.
• Compensation includes potential long-term incentives such as stock options or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.