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SpaceX

Electrical Design Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX, Redmond, Washington, United States, 98052

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Electrical Design Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

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. Electrical Design Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) SpaceX is leveraging its 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 7M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers 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. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

Responsibilities

As an Electrical Design Engineer on Starlink, you’ll have ownership over the entire life-cycle of the hardware that enables this connectivity, and sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna/RF engineering. Challenges range from high-speed digital communications, analog, network system integration, power electronics, and RF devices. Your work will include system design and schematic capture, PCB layout oversight, hardware troubleshooting, and driving requirements for the underlying silicon and complete product production and test. This includes driving successful business outcomes across interdisciplinary subsystems of the satellite, inclusive of mechanical and software engineering peers among other engineering disciplines. Sub-teams include:

Avionics: The backbone of Starlink satellites are the bus avionics systems which control the vehicle, convert and distribute kilowatts of power, route high-speed vehicle and user traffic, and connect satellites to each other via our Space Lasers. The team is responsible for the design, development, and ultimate success of these avionics systems from concept to grave.

Payload: Starlink satellites employ industry leading phased arrays, parabolic antennas, and fully custom compute + modem electronics to deliver connectivity to customers. The Payload team is responsible for the design, development, and ultimate success of this hardware from concept to grave.

Your placement on these teams will be determined throughout the interviewing process after factoring in technical fit, expertise, and your personal preference.

Responsibilities

Rapidly develop high-reliability electronics for satellites and spacecraft.

Drive system trades, requirements capture, component selection, analysis, schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, hardware bring-up, debugging, documentation, manufacturing, test, and on-orbit performance of complex electrical designs.

Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight.

Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, silicon design, etc.) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware.

Challenge assumptions, question requirements, learn from mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics

1+ years of experience designing circuits, electronic products, or hardware (internships/co-ops can apply)

Preferred Skills And Experience

Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree

2+ years of professional experience rapidly designing and delivering highly reliable products

2+ years of electronic product experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life-cycle development of new hardware products

2+ years of experience designing and implementing mixed-signal circuit boards from concept through production using processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi-GHz Serdes, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, op-amps, ADC/DAC, and power supply components

2+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging electronics

Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)

Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role

2+ years working on aerospace systems

Additional Requirements

Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

Some travel may occasionally be required

Compensation And Benefits

Pay range: Electrical Design Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year; Electrical Design Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $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 job-related knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is part of a total rewards package including potential stock, bonuses, and benefits (medical, vision, dental, 401(k), disability, life insurance, parental leave, and other discounts and perks). You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and have 10+ paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be 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 and does not discriminate on protected characteristics. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Note: This posting contains references to multiple locations and roles.

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