Hardware Reliability Engineer, Electrical (Starshield)
SpaceXHawthorne, CA$105k – $120kPosted 1 April 2026
Job Description
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
HARDWARE RELIABILITY ENGINEER, ELECTRICAL (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
As a Hardware Reliability Engineer for Starshield, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our satellites. You will work on identifying, analyzing, and resolving hardware failures to improve the robustness and longevity of our PCBAs. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, including electrical, mechanical, software, and supply chain, to enhance the overall reliability of the Starshield hardware. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge RD technology and some of the most complex applications of electrical engineering in the industry.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform detailed failure analysis of Starshield satellite hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions
Utilize design schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to identify the physics of the failure
Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes
Work closely with the respective test engineers for your products to keep a close feedback loop improving test assets, to reduce false failures, and to increase test coverage to avoid escapes
Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions to address non-conforming products
Conduct benchtop environmental testing to validate product robustness
Support production and field operations by providing technical guidance on failure resolution and process improvements
Maintain thorough documentation of failure analysis findings, test results, and corrective actions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internship and co-op experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline
3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware
Experience with digital and mixed-signal designs, power electronics, or RF electronics using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipment
Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and root causing electrical hardware failures
Experience with environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, and TVAC
Proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, C, or C++) for test automation and data analysis
Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and corrective action
Experience developing or supporting any of the following products/processes:
Analog, digital, and mixed signal circuit testing
RF hardware testing
Design for excellence (DFX), derating, and related analyses
Digital communications interfaces including SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, and RS422
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain one
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on-orbit operations
An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol test
COMPENSATION AND ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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