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Supplier Development Engineer, SMT (Starlink)

SpaceX· Starlink - Supply Chain Engineering
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Bastrop, TXFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Supplier Development Engineer focused on SMT for Starlink, accountable for ensuring quality, reliability, and scalability of PCBA manufacturing at global suppliers, leading NPI, process improvements, and ramping SMT production to meet SpaceX high-volume demands. Based in Bastrop, TX.

Responsibilities

  • Lead supplier qualification, development, and ongoing performance management for SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with SpaceX quality standards and production timelines.
  • Drive NPI activities for new SMT lines, including process validation, equipment selection, and yield optimization at supplier facilities around the world.
  • Identify and resolve manufacturing defects, process inefficiencies, and quality issues in SMT assembly, such as solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI).
  • Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production failures, utilizing tools like PFMEA, DOE, and SPC to improve process capability and reduce defects per million opportunities (DPMO).
  • Collaborate with SpaceX design, manufacturing, and quality teams to incorporate DFM/DFA feedback into supplier processes
  • Travel to supplier sites (up to 50%) to audit facilities, oversee ramp-ups, and provide on-site technical support for high-volume SMT production.
  • Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, KPIs, and continuous improvement plans focused on cost reduction, yield enhancement, and supply chain resilience.
  • Support the transition from prototype to mass production, including capacity planning, equipment upgrades, and automation integration for SMT lines.
  • Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) and SpaceX-specific requirements for mission-critical electronics.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 2+ years of experience in PCBA manufacturing, with a focus on SMT processes (e.g., screen printing, pick-and-place, reflow, wave soldering, and inspection).
  • Hands-on experience with SMT equipment from manufacturers such as Fuji, Panasonic, DEK, or similar, including programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Required:SMT process expertiseNPI and production ramp-up

Benefits

  • (Not specified in the provided text)
Last updated Sep 16, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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