Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (RF Integration)

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.

SR. SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (RF INTEGRATION)

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.

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and scalability of the user terminal manufacturing at our global suppliers. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing departments as well as with global base of suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement RF test cases and calibration procedures for Starlink user terminals at external suppliersWorking in close collaboration with hardware and software engineers rapidly develop design validation and production test solutions for our high-volume consumer productsEstablish strong linkages between assembly data and final RF test performance, driving root cause analysis of yield limitersUse statistical tools such as SPC and DOE to monitor, and JMP to analyze, control, and improve yield across the manufacturing lineDevelop and maintain risk models to evaluate RF test strategies and ensure effective test coverage across corner cases in individual manufacturing processesSustain and optimize RF integration workflow and throughput in a high-mix assembly configuration environment, driving continuous improvements in cycle time and costCollaborate with design teams to provide feedback on DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and yield optimization opportunities with focus on RF integrationSupport installation and qualification of new RF test tools, including both capability enhancements and capacity expansionsWork closely with production team and electronics hardware vendors to resolve equipment and process-related issuesCreate and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engineering instructions, and test documentationPlanning, proposing, and leading experiments to produce timely and accurate analyses used to drive design, development, and supply chain decisions, with a focus on scalability for high volume electronics manufacturingPlanning validation exercises to demonstrate initial feasibility as well as manufacturing capability at high volumes, incorporating throughput modeling and yield optimizationReviewing progress of development activities at supplier locations and serve as point of escalation for critical process related issues, ensuring alignment with high volume ramp-up requirementsAssigns specific tasks and work with SpaceX suppliers to support process development and/or data gathering activities aimed at achieving consistent high throughput and low defect ratesEstablish validation procedures to qualify process equipment during development builds as well as mass production, incorporating statistical process controls and capacity planning for high volume outputActively participate in the program planning and monitoring process assuming responsibility for key deliverables at all milestones, including quality gates for volume ramp-up

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering5+ years of professional experience with antennas, RF communication systems, or electronics hardware

Preferred Skills And Experience

Master's degree or PhD in electrical or electronics engineering10+ years of professional experience with antennas, RF communication systems, or electronics hardware5+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, including leadership roles in supplier development or process engineering for complex consumer electronics systems5+ years of experience in final assembly, test and packoutExperience with basic principles of antenna theory and designing wireless communications systemsThorough understanding of RF active and passive componentsExperience characterizing radio performance at microwave frequenciesProgramming experience in Python, C#, C++, or MATLABExperience in analyzing large datasets and dispositioning hardware based on dataStrong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work independently with excellent written and verbal communication skillsProven track record of production ramp-up for high-volume electronics manufacturing, preferably in consumer electronics

Additional Requirements

Position is based in Bangalore, India and requires being onsite - remote work not consideredMust be willing to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlinesAbility to travel: Up to 50% of work week travel may be required to suppliers in Southeast Asia

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.