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.

PCBA BUILD ENGINEER (SWARM)

SpaceX acquired IoT satellite developer Swarm in 2021 and the team is continuing to grow. Our mission is to connect people and devices from anywhere in the world at the lowest cost.

Swarm has developed the world’s smallest two-way communication satellites. Through our constellation we provide low-bandwidth, low-cost connectivity to return data from anywhere on Earth, focusing on regions without cell or Wi-Fi coverage. Our unique economics make Swarm’s network, ground hardware, and web platform accessible at the industry’s lowest costs to deliver maximum value to customers. Swarm provides IoT tracking and data return services for industrial/sensor networks, particularly those in the maritime shipping, agriculture, energy, and ground transportation industries.

As a PCBA Build Engineer on the Swarm team, you will support our leadership and production teams and help manage the day-to-day of our R&D and production efforts. You should be a self-starter who is organized, efficient, and enthusiastic about joining a growing startup environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Optimize and configure processes and equipment for building small satellite PCBAs
• Setup and troubleshoot NPI line to provide a quick lead time from design to build
• Perform design of experiments (DOE) to optimize SMT process yield
• Specify equipment requirements for new PCBA build processes
• Develop design for manufacturability (DFM) guidelines for PCBA designs
• Provide solutions to streamline space-grade circuit board assembly and test processes which may include flying probe, AOI, and functional testing, reflow soldering, selective soldering, and conformal coating
• Facilitate a close relationship with the engineering team during design, build, and test to provide design feedback
• Lead efforts to uncover root-cause and develop a permanent resolution on issues found during production
• Develop a robust set of test machinery that includes critical spares for ensuring complete uptime
• Determine schedule impacts for unforeseen design or process changes in production
• Utilize lean manufacturing tools; recommend improvements in production methods, standards, tooling, equipment, layout, procedures, product designs, and employee efficiency
• Prepare and maintain documentation required to ensure efficient production
• Participate in design reviews to conduct DFM and DFT recommendations with innovative and cost-effective solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering
• 2+ years of direct experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of direct experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering
• Hands on experience with optimizing SMT pick and place, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through hole soldering systems
• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed
• Ability to work in a fast paced and autonomously driven start-up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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.