RF Engineer, Hardware Reliability

About the role

The Starlink hardware reliability team is seeking an RF Engineer to join our mission of improving the performance and durability of our satellite internet systems. In this position, you will own the analysis of electrical failures and drive design improvements across our consumer hardware portfolio, which includes phased-array antennas and Wi-Fi routers. You will be responsible for ensuring that our hardware meets the highest standards of quality and reliability before it reaches customers. This role is critical in bridging the gap between design and mass production by identifying and eliminating potential failure modes early in the product lifecycle. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to investigate anomalies and implement robust fixes that enhance system longevity. The position demands a methodical approach to testing and a deep understanding of how hardware behaves in both laboratory and field conditions. Your work will directly impact the customer experience by reducing return rates and improving the overall resilience of our communication hardware. This is an opportunity to contribute to a high-visibility program where your technical analysis will shape the future of hardware reliability for a global network.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage qualification and testing for new electrical designs and SMT production lines to validate performance against strict specifications.
• Debug and identify root causes for failures in antennas, routers, power supplies, and cabling using advanced diagnostic methodologies.
• Operate diagnostic equipment such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, x-ray machines, and logic analyzers to capture complex electrical signatures.
• Coordinate failure investigations across multiple departments and synthesize findings into clear reports delivered to leadership for action.
• Analyze telemetry data from deployed hardware to understand failure patterns and correlate them with design changes or environmental factors.
• Replicate hardware anomalies through bench testing and engineering models to confirm the underlying mechanisms of failure.
• Improve production yields by optimizing assembly processes and preventing defective hardware from leaving the factory floor.
• Develop and maintain test procedures that ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements for electronic hardware.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to implement corrective actions and verify their effectiveness through follow-up testing.
• Support the development of automated test scripts and data analysis routines to increase the efficiency of reliability workflows.
• Evaluate components and materials to ensure they meet durability and performance expectations over the lifecycle of the product.
• Document all investigation steps and results to create a knowledge base that supports future reliability engineering efforts.
• Partner with firmware and software teams to distinguish between hardware and software-induced failures.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians to elevate the overall capability of the reliability function.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or computer engineering from an accredited institution.
• Possess a minimum 1 year of experience with digital or mixed-signal designs, which may include relevant internships or project-based academic work.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering tools in a professional or educational setting.
• Show knowledge of PCBA manufacturing assembly processes, including SMT reflow, wave solder, and selective solder techniques.
• Understand the fundamentals of RF propagation and signal integrity as they apply to communication hardware.
• Be capable of working independently and as part of a team to solve complex technical problems under tight deadlines.
• Have the legal right to work in the United States and meet all compliance requirements for ITAR-regulated positions.
• Be willing to relocate to Bastrop, TX, as the role does not support remote or hybrid work arrangements.
• Commit to working extended hours, including weekends, to meet project milestones and respond to critical failures.
• Be prepared to travel up to 30% of the time for business needs related to manufacturing sites or test facilities.

Nice to have

• 1+ years of experience in consumer electronics or a related field where rapid iteration and high quality are essential.
• Background in troubleshooting RF communication systems, including hands-on work with wireless protocols and hardware.
• Ability to navigate ambiguous technical problems where data is incomplete and hypotheses must be tested quickly.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or SQL to automate data analysis and manage test information.
• Experience reading PCB schematics and using layout software to understand design intent and signal flow.
• Familiarity with CPU, FPGA, ASIC, high-speed interfaces, or low-power platforms commonly found in communication hardware.
• Experience in fast-paced, iterative environments such as automotive, aerospace, or mobile handsets where reliability is critical.

Skills & tools

• Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, x-ray machines, logic analyzers for detailed electrical measurement and inspection.
• SMT reflow, wave solder, selective solder for assembling and repairing printed circuit boards.
• Python, C++, SQL for data analysis, automation, and system integration tasks.
• PCB schematics and layout tools to interpret design documents and collaborate with engineering teams.

Practical notes

• This role requires relocation to Bastrop, TX; no remote or hybrid options are available.
• Must be able to work extended hours, weekends, and travel up to 30% of the time.
• Compliance with ITAR regulations is required: applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.