SpaceX · 19 hours ago
Supplier Development Engineer, SMT (Starlink)
Bastrop, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid, Senior Level
1+ years expSpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, including a low latency broadband internet system called Starlink. The Supplier Development Engineer will ensure the quality and scalability of PCBA manufacturing at global suppliers, leading new product introduction efforts and driving process improvements.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead supplier qualification, development, and ongoing performance management for SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with SpaceX quality standards and production timelines
Drive NPI activities for new SMT lines, including process validation, equipment selection, and yield optimization at supplier facilities around the world
Identify and resolve manufacturing defects, process inefficiencies, and quality issues in SMT assembly, such as solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI)
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production failures, utilizing tools like PFMEA, DOE, and SPC to improve process capability and reduce defects per million opportunities (DPMO)
Collaborate with SpaceX design, manufacturing, and quality teams to incorporate DFM/DFA feedback into supplier processes
Travel to supplier sites (up to 50%) to audit facilities, oversee ramp-ups, and provide on-site technical support for high-volume SMT production
Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, KPIs, and continuous improvement plans focused on cost reduction, yield enhancement, and supply chain resilience
Support the transition from prototype to mass production, including capacity planning, equipment upgrades, and automation integration for SMT lines
Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) and SpaceX-specific requirements for mission-critical electronics
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of experience in one of the following: supply chain engineering, supplier development/quality, manufacturing, design engineering
1+ years of experience in PCBA manufacturing, with a focus on SMT processes such as screen printing, pick-and-place, reflow, wave soldering, and inspection. (internship experience is applicable)
Lead supplier qualification, development, and ongoing performance management for SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with SpaceX quality standards and production timelines
Drive NPI activities for new SMT lines, including process validation, equipment selection, and yield optimization at supplier facilities around the world
Identify and resolve manufacturing defects, process inefficiencies, and quality issues in SMT assembly, such as solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI)
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production failures, utilizing tools like PFMEA, DOE, and SPC to improve process capability and reduce defects per million opportunities (DPMO)
Collaborate with SpaceX design, manufacturing, and quality teams to incorporate DFM/DFA feedback into supplier processes
Travel to supplier sites (up to 50%) to audit facilities, oversee ramp-ups, and provide on-site technical support for high-volume SMT production
Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, KPIs, and continuous improvement plans focused on cost reduction, yield enhancement, and supply chain resilience
Support the transition from prototype to mass production, including capacity planning, equipment upgrades, and automation integration for SMT lines
Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) and SpaceX-specific requirements for mission-critical electronics
Position is based in Bastrop, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
Ability to travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations as needed (up to 50%)
Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
Valid driver's license
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Preferred
5+ years of experience in SMT engineering, including leadership roles in supplier development or process engineering for complex consumer electronics systems
Hands-on experience with SMT equipment from manufacturers such as Fuji, Panasonic, DEK, or similar, including programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Expertise in advanced SMT technologies, such as fine-pitch components, BGA/CSP assembly, selective soldering, and high-mix/low-volume to high-volume transitions
Experience with statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma certification, or lean manufacturing principles applied to SMT environments
Strong understanding of PCBA failure modes, defect analysis, and quality control methodologies (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, Pareto)
Knowledge of environmental testing and reliability standards for consumer electronics (e.g., vibration, thermal cycling)
Proven track record in NPI and production ramp-up for high-volume electronics manufacturing, preferably in consumer electronics
Prior experience in the consumer electronics industry, particularly with high volume hardware assembly
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
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2026-01-23
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