Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials (Starlink)

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.

MATERIALS ENGINEER, ELECTRONIC MATERIALS (STARLINK)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 4M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

In true SpaceX fashion, Starlink is taking the next step in vertical integration by bringing in integrated circuit packaging, printed circuit board manufacturing and printed circuit board assembly. We are looking for hands-on and dynamic materials engineers with expertise in electronic material: design, selection, processing, and testing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proactively identify business needs (e.g. new material and/or process developments to improve quality, yield, and reliability) as it applies to semiconductor packaging, printed circuit board manufacturing and printed circuit board assembly
• Lead a cross-functional team to develop new supply chain strategies for electronic materials and, when necessary, develop those resources internally
• Responsible for the development and implementation of program initiatives with significant technical challenges that meet desired timelines, cost targets and goals
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges in our current and next generation IC packages, printed circuit boards and printed circuit board assemblies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing and characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of electronic material (student project team or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in semiconductor advanced packaging, materials science, polymer science or chemical engineering
• Exhibit a diverse technical knowledge of materials and their use in electronics
• Proven track record of developing new materials or processes, improving efficiencies and successfully transferring to production in a fast-paced, highly competitive electronics industry
• Fundamental and practical understanding of electronic materials, used for IC packaging (i.e., DIP, PLCC, SOIC, QFP, BGA, CSP, BTC, high density (2.5D, 3D, SiP, SOC) and CoWoS), printed circuit board manufacturing and printed circuit board assembly
• Experience in correlating material properties to processing and functional testing of electronic materials such as thermal interface materials, underfill, die attach adhesives, wafer bonding, molding compounds, PCB prepregs, PCB surface finishes, soldermask and/or solder paste
• Execution and interpretation experience with characterization techniques and equipment, including but not limited to: mechanical testing (i.e., wire bond, die shear and peel testing), electrical testing (i.e., permittivity measurements), and imaging microscopy (i.e., SEM/FIB/EDS, C-SAM, X-ray), and polymer testing (FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry)
• Broad understanding of failure modes in commercial products and a track record implementing corrective actions
• Familiarity with materials declarations and compliance requirements for electronic components and subassemblies

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Materials Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Materials Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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.