New Graduate Electrical Engineer

SpaceX was founded on the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is far more exciting than one where it does not. SpaceX is developing the technologies needed to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SpaceX is using its experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the largest satellite constellation in the world and provides fast, reliable internet to more than 10 million users worldwide. The team designs, builds, tests, and operates every part of the system, including thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that connect users within minutes of unboxing, and the software that ties it together. As the constellation grows and improves, SpaceX is looking for top engineers to join the team.

As an Electrical Design Engineer on Starlink, you will own the full life cycle of the hardware behind this connectivity. The work sits where electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna/RF engineering meet. Challenges include high-speed digital communications, analog design, network system integration, power electronics, avionics, network computers, failure analysis, on-orbit reliability, test automation, and RF devices.

Placement on these teams is decided during the interview process based on technical fit, expertise, and personal preference. Sub-teams include, but are not limited to:

• Avionics: Designs and builds the bus avionics that control the vehicle, convert and distribute power, route high-speed traffic, and link satellites through space lasers, from concept to end of life.
• Payload: Develops the phased arrays, parabolic antennas, and custom compute and modem electronics that deliver connectivity to customers, from concept to end of life.
• Gateways: Designs, builds, and tests electronics for the world's largest network of ground stations, which relay data between satellites and end users.
• Hardware Test: Validates and tests satellite electronics from early concept through full-scale production.
• Hardware Development: Performs failure analysis using schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes on satellite and gateway hardware, finds root causes, and implements corrective actions.
• On-Orbit Reliability: Monitors satellite electronics in orbit, leads anomaly investigations, and runs lab experiments to reproduce in-orbit findings.
• Enterprise & Government: Builds top-tier solutions for large-scale operations in the aviation, maritime, and defense industries.

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.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Base salary is one part of the total rewards package. Eligible employees may also receive long-term incentives in company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the option to buy additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks. Employees accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and receive 10 or more paid holidays per year. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in line with state and federal law. Company shuttles run from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office, Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirements: To comply with U.S. export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin or ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.