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.

SMT SPECIALIST (STARSHIP) 

Become a part of the Starship team which is working to revolutionize orbital flight and space travel - opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space, and ultimately make humankind a multi-planetary species. Our team is not only designing and building some of the finest electrical hardware to have flown in space, but also doing so at a cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry. Become a part of this fast moving and world class avionics production team, work with super smart and motivated engineers, and achieve truly audacious goals. As an SMT Specialist, you will manage and maintain the equipment and train new technicians to operate it to enable us to build at Starship rate and quality.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Execute new product introduction builds across all work centers  
  • Assist with initial PCBA line setup, facility requests, and programming of equipment  
  • Program, load, and operates automated equipment  
  • Design custom fixtures for PCBA to ensure efficient process flow  
  • Train technicians to run/troubleshoot complex machines  
  • Triage non-conforming product and drives resolution and preventative actions  
  • Resolve production issues while ensuring design integrity, product quality, and delivery timelines  
  • Perform process development and validation on new models in extremely aggressive timelines  
  • Ensure the successful transition of a product’s development  
  • Identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, performance, and cost  
  • Define maintenance schedules and support activities  
  • Optimize and configure processes and equipment for building surface mount electronics assemblies  
  • Perform design of experiments (DOE) to optimize SMT process yield  
  • Specify equipment requirements for new PCBA build processes  
  • Develop design for manufacturability (DFM) guidelines for PCBA designs  
  • Provide solutions to streamline space-grade circuit board assembly and test processes which may include flying probe, AOI, and functional testing, reflow soldering, selective soldering, and conformal coating  
  • Resolve production issues on the spot while ensuring design integrity allowing us to stay on schedule  
  • Facilitate a close relationship with the engineering team during design, build, and test to provide design feedback 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate  
  • 2+ years of experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  

  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight  
  • Strong work ethic and drive to succeed  
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere  
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal  
  • Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware  
  • Hands on experience with optimizing SMT pick and place, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through hole soldering systems  
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

  • Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as required  
  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted 
  • Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:               
Pay range:         

  • SMT Specialist /Level 1: $30.00 - $38.00/hour         
  • SMT Specialist /Level 2: $34.00 - $43.00/hour         
  • SMT Specialist /Level 3: $38.00 - $48.00/hour         

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.  

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

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