EMC/EMI TEST SPECIALIST (STARLINK AVIATION)

Starlink is SpaceX’s ambitious program to bring high-quality internet to the globe by building a constellation of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which we have launched on our Falcon 9 reusable rockets over the past years. The Starlink Aviation team is developing mobility solutions for aircraft that will connect to the Starlink constellation and provide an amazing customer experience in-flight.

As an EMI/EMC test specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring hardware performance of the Starlink equipment on board a variety of aircraft and mobile systems. You will perform exhaustive testing at the unit, subsystem, and system levels, with extensive opportunity to interact with a vast array of aircraft systems, avionics equipment, and ground support electronics. You will help solve aviation-specific EMI compatibility issues, running root cause investigations and collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to guarantee and improve the EMI performance of the product.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform EMC/EMI emissions and immunity testing of electrical systems and components for consumer and commercial applications
• Read, interpret, and work from free-form drawings as well as from controlled documentation and processes
• Design and fabricate electro-mechanical assemblies, harnesses and test fixtures from conceptual drawings
• Operate a spectrum analyzer, VNA, power meter, high-power amplifier, and oscilloscope
• Perform antenna and shielding effectiveness measurements
• Independently perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise and complete manner
• Troubleshoot complex problems independently with minimal direction
• Support engineers and test management with standardized testing and R&D projects
• Maintain test equipment and test facilities and oversee the equipment calibration process

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in an electronics discipline or 2+ years of direct work experience in electronics 
• 1+ years of experience performing testing of electronics or electrical hardware
• 1+ years of experience working with test fixtures, harnesses and/or electro-mechanical assemblies

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Familiarity with FCC Part 15, Part 25, EN55032, EN 55024/35, EN 61000, MIL-STD-1541, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, DO-160G specifications
• Experience in a fast-paced test environment with flight hardware
• Able to support R&D efforts in addition to standardized testing
• Familiarity with semi-anechoic chamber specifications, design and maintenance
• Experience with lab accreditation for self-certification purposes (i.e. ISO/IEC 17025, A2LA, or NVLAP)
• Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments and fast-paced work environment
• Able to program simple scripts in python for test logging and control
• Able to efficiently draft fixtures, tools, structures, and electrical schematics using a CAD system
• Able to troubleshoot unit and test rack issues with little to no supervision
• Able to author and redline clear and concise test procedures, build procedures, and process instructions
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills
• Ability to read and interpret schematics (engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists), cable harnesses (wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and parts lists), and mechanical assemblies (mechanical drawings and parts lists)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• Able to travel for short trips as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
EMI/EMC Test Specialist/Level 1: $30.00 - $38.00/hour
EMI/EMC Test Specialist/Level 2: $34.00 - $43.00/hour
EMI/EMC Test Specialist/Level 3: $38.00 - $48.00/hour
  
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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AVIATION INTEGRATION (STARLINK) 

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Starlink Mechanical Engineer on the Aviation team, you will own flight hardware from cradle to grave and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases, ushering in the next era of airborne connectivity! In this role you will own design, qualification, test design, production success, integration design, and in-flight success of flight hardware. This role requires design, build & analysis skills, and the drive to get your work over the finish line as well as close coordination with electrical teams to realize high reliability hardware. Come join the team putting bringing the most incredible in-flight internet the world has ever seen!

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and drive Starlink integration design packages from site survey through design, substantiation, and qualification
• Own Starlink Aviation hardware from conceptual design through production and operation for aircraft installations
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
• Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment
• Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction
• Lead design reviews and work with FAA designees to certify components and systems
• Generate detailed production and integration drawings using GD&T and performing a tolerance stack-up analysis
• Drive holistic DFM to create elegant designs with a focus on piece part and process count reductions, error proofing at every step of fabrication and integration, and consistent performance and production metrics
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line
• Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and launch
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other STEM discipline
• Experience with CAD (computer aided design) and FEA (finite element analysis) software
• Experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, and test

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink mechanical engineering, and may include: 

• Knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components 
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification
• Specific expertise applicable to any of the above sub-teams 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones 
• 25% travel (domestic and international)

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AVIATION HARDWARE (STARLINK) 

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Starlink Mechanical Engineer on the Aviation Hardware Team, you will own flight hardware from cradle to grave and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases. In this role you will own blank-slate design, qualification test, production success, and in-flight success of flight hardware. This role demands strong technical, design, analysis skills, and the drive to get your work over the finish line as well as close coordination with electrical, RF, and EMC teams to realize high reliability and performance hardware. Come join the team building the fastest and most reliable aircraft connectivity the world has ever seen!

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Own hardware from conceptual design through production and operation for aircraft installations
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
• Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment
• Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction
• Lead design reviews and work with FAA designees to certify components and systems
• Generate detailed production drawings using GD&T and performing a tolerance stack up analysis
• Drive holistic DFM to create elegant designs with a focus on piece part and process count reductions, error proofing at every step of fabrication and integration, and consistent performance and production metrics
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line
• Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and service. Iterate rapidly to maximize reliability and performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other STEM discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages 
• Experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical and electromechanical systems
• Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 
• Knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components 
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification
• Specific expertise applicable to any of the above sub-teams 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:              

Pay range:     
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year     
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/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, stock options, 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.