Lead Integration & Test Engineer (Starshield)

LEAD INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER (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 three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

As a Lead Integration & Test Engineer, you will lead and grow a team of engineers and specialists charged with developing, scaling, and maintaining the manufacturing facilities and processes to build, test, integrate, and launch cutting- edge satellite hardware.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead a team of engineers and specialists in defining processes, shaping build, test, and shipping infrastructure, and designing fixtures/tools/production aids to produce satellites and satellite subassemblies.  
• Support day-to-day execution of hardware production and vehicle integration. 
• Ensure that satellite manufacturing is safe, secure, reliable, on time, cost effective and efficient and produces satellites that perform properly on orbit. 
• Challenge design requirements, delete unnecessary process steps, simplify and optimize production, accelerate build rates, and increase production line automation as appropriate. 
• Implement continuous improvements to upgrade current production controls, employ new ones as needed, and minimize the probability of errors. 
• Maintain a working knowledge of each system on the satellite including the design, schematics, operations, manufacturing, testing, and flight. 
• Increase program manufacturing and testing capabilities and capacity. 
• Evaluate non-conformances, and identifying patterns of issues to determine root cause and create actionable items and system improvements. 
• Identify opportunities for team growth and propose/develop training to increase the effectiveness of the engineering team with respect to company strategy. 
• Set clear/achievable goals and hold team members accountable for execution and continuous improvement in their area of ownership. 
• Own the relationship with design, supply chain, mission management, Starshield customers, and other partner teams.  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• 2+ years of professional design and/or manufacturing experience within aerospace, automotive, industrial, or consumer electronics industries.
• 1+ years of leadership experience leading teams, projects or people. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 5+ years of professional design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience. 
• 3+ years of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects or people. 
• Previous experience in a professional leadership role. 
• Master's degree in engineering or related discipline. 
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, work ethic, and drive to succeed. 
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience with build, integration, and testing of complex propulsion, thermal, electrical and/or structural parts, assemblies, and systems.
• Experience working in a production environment with both high rate and high mix of products.
• Experience succeeding in a rapidly evolving and schedule-driven production environment with process development of high-reliability and high-quality hardware from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience making impactful decisions using engineering intuition and critical thinking without all information being available.
• Professional experience working with large assembly moves (e.g., crane operations).
• Experience writing work instructions, test plans, and procedures.
• Experience with documentation and configuration management.  
• Experience with mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis (3D computer-aided design). 
• Knowledge of available manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment capabilities. 
• Experience with PCB/PCBA fabrication and testing methodologies.  
• Experience working with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and familiarity with complex tolerance stack-ups. 
• Basic proficiency with using SQL, Power BI, and other database tools to drive decision making. 
• Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and various problem-solving approaches. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed. 
• Must be able to travel to SpaceX and partner facilities - up to 10%. 
• This position is very hands-on and may require you to be on your feet for extended periods of time, up to 4 hours, and may require you to be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces. 
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if applicable, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    
Lead: $130,000.00 - $215,000.00/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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.