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Supplier Development Engineer, Routers (Starlink)

SpaceX· Starlink - Supply Chain Engineering
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Bastrop, TXFull-timePosted 5mo ago

About the role

Supplier Development Engineer responsible for end-to-end supplier development for Starlink WiFi routers and wireless modules, from strategic supplier selection and NPI through high-volume production scaling, with emphasis on RF hardware, WiFi systems, and Lean quality improvements.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end supplier development for the WiFi router and wireless module portfolio within the Starlink User Terminal Bill of Materials, spanning strategic supplier selection, new product introduction (NPI), qualification, production ramp, and reactive quality support
  • Engage early with suppliers on selection, equipment selection, and process engineering to properly set up high-volume manufacturing programs by ensuring material and process corners are fully characterized and completed
  • Assess supplier manufacturing capabilities, process controls, and technical readiness for high-volume production of WiFi routers, including PCB assembly for RF circuits, antenna integration and tuning, RF shielding, thermal solutions, and automated testing systems
  • Lead new product introduction (NPI) activities, production part approval process (PPAP), first article inspections (FAI), production rate ramps, and reliability campaigns to enable full-rate, high-volume manufacturing
  • Develop and execute robust qualification plans tailored to WiFi routers, including RF testing, OTA throughput validation, MIMO/MU-MIMO performance verification, beamforming calibration, thermal throttling assessment, and EMI/EMC compliance
  • Create and standardize qualification protocols across the WiFi router supply base, including FAT, SAT, and reliability demonstration methods
  • Drive supplier performance improvement through Lean methodologies, supplier scorecards, process audits, and systematic problem solving to improve quality, cost, and on-time delivery
  • Perform root cause analysis and lead corrective actions for quality issues (RF desense, antenna detuning, shielding-related degradation, thermal instability, BER increases, EMI from power electronics)
  • Perform reactive quality engineering support (8D, 5-Why) for escapes, field returns, and production issues
  • Own on-time delivery of qualification and production ramp activities while feeding field data back to design/process teams for improvement
  • Partner with WiFi Router Design Engineering, RF Test Engineering, and Production teams to ensure supplier processes align with high-volume product requirements and performance goals

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in WiFi or RF engineering, quality engineering, reliability engineering, or supplier development (internship/extracurricular experience applicable)

Skills

Required:WiFi/RF engineeringCommunication & cross-functional influence
Nice to have:PPAP/FAI/APQPNPI & QMS processesLean / Six Sigma / problem solvingRoot cause analysis & DOE

Benefits

  • Equal opportunity employer
  • Onsite role based in Bastrop, TX
  • Travel up to 25% domestically and internationally
  • Potential for extended hours during ramps and critical issues
Last updated Jul 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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