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Mechanical Hardware Test Engineer - Failure Analysis (Starlink)

SpaceX· Satellite Payload Engineering
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Redmond, WA$100k - $135kfull-timePosted 2w ago

About the role

Mechanical Hardware Test Engineer to solve high-impact failure analysis problems for Starlink hardware, focusing on high voltage vacuum amplifiers and reliability improvements through advanced analytical techniques and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Perform detailed failure analysis of novel high voltage vacuum amplifiers on both new-production and active-service units
  • Perform advanced physical failure analysis using SEM, FIB, EDS, cross-sectioning, and related techniques to identify failure mechanisms in functional materials
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes
  • Apply physics-of-failure principles and develop deep knowledge of vacuum tube failure modes to determine root causes
  • Develop and improve failure analysis techniques and workflows to support new manufacturing technologies and advanced materials
  • Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions to address non-conforming products
  • Drive continual improvements to designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both in the field and in the lab

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or other STEM discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships, co-ops, and extracurriculars acceptable)

Skills

Required:Problem solvingSEM / FIB / EDSFailure analysis
Nice to have:Technical writingPython / data analytics

Benefits

  • Long-term incentives (stock or long-term cash awards)
  • Potential discretionary bonuses
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation
  • 10+ paid holidays per year
  • paid sick time in Washington state
  • company shuttles to SpaceX Redmond office (Seattle areas)
Last updated Oct 7, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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