Supplier Development Engineer, Power Electronics

About the role

In this role, you will be responsible for managing the entire supply chain for power electronics components used in Starlink User Terminals, specifically focusing on power supply units and conversion modules. Your expertise will guide the selection of suppliers, ensure manufacturing readiness, and maintain quality control to facilitate the scaling of high-volume production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the complete lifecycle of power electronics components, from strategic supplier selection and new product introduction (NPI) to mass production and ongoing quality support.
• Assess supplier manufacturing capabilities to confirm that process controls are adequately prepared for silicon, silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride (GaN) designs.
• Spearhead qualification initiatives, including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), First Article Inspection (FAI), and production rate ramp-ups.
• Develop and implement qualification protocols such as Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT), Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS), power cycling tests, and thermal validation assessments.
• Create standardized equipment buy-off checklists, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) procedures across the supplier network.
• Perform root cause analysis for various failures, including issues related to MOSFET/GaN devices, thermal runaway incidents, and solder fatigue, utilizing methodologies such as 8D and 5-Why.
• Collaborate closely with internal design, testing, and production teams to ensure that supplier processes align with performance objectives and specifications.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics, driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Provide technical support and guidance to suppliers during the manufacturing process to resolve any issues that arise.
• Engage in cross-functional teams to facilitate communication and ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in power electronics to inform supplier development strategies and practices.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, power electronics, or a closely related engineering discipline is required.
• At least one year of experience in power electronics, quality assurance, reliability, or supplier development is essential.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Nice to have

• A minimum of three years of experience in power electronics, quality assurance, reliability, or supplier development is preferred.
• Familiarity with power conversion topologies, magnetics, thermal management, and electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) is advantageous.
• Practical experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and First Article Inspection (FAI) is beneficial.
• Knowledge of standards such as IPC-9592, IEC 62368-1, AEC-Q101, AS9100, and MIL-STD is a plus.
• Experience in qualifying silicon, SiC, and GaN MOSFETs, gate drivers, and high-reliability capacitors will be viewed favorably.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools, including Minitab, JMP, Design of Experiments (DOE), and Six Sigma methodologies is desirable.
• Understanding of reliability engineering practices, including Weibull analysis and accelerated life testing, is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret 2D drawings and technical schematics is essential.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in power electronics manufacturing processes.
• Proficient in root cause analysis techniques, including 8D, 5-Why, and fishbone diagrams.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and methodologies.
• Knowledge of reliability engineering concepts, including Weibull analysis and HALT/HASS testing.
• Experience with statistical software tools such as Minitab and JMP for data analysis.

Practical notes

• Travel: The position may require up to 25% travel, both domestically and internationally.
• Schedule: Candidates should be prepared for extended hours and potential weekend work to support production ramp-up activities.
• This position is based onsite in Bastrop, TX, and requires full-time engagement.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.