The posting
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.
NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, ELECTRICAL - 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 10M+ 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.
As an Electrical Design Engineer on Starlink, you’ll have ownership over the entire life-cycle of the hardware that enables this connectivity, and sits 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, avionics, network computers, failure analysis, on-orbit reliability, test automation, and RF devices.
Your placement on these teams will be determined throughout the interviewing process after factoring in technical fit, expertise, and your personal preference. Sub-teams include, but are not limited to:
- 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 state-of-the-art 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 in order to deliver this connectivity to our customers. The Payload team is responsible for the design, development, and ultimate success of this hardware from concept to grave.
- Gateways: Design, build, and test electronics for the world's largest network of ground stations, which function as an intermediary between the satellites and our end-users to ensure smooth data transfer and transmission.
- Hardware Test – design validation and testing of satellite electronics from initial concept development to full-scale production.
- Hardware Development: Perform detailed failure analysis via schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes of satellite and gateway hardware. Identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions.
- On-Orbit Reliability: Monitor and support health of satellite electronics while in orbit, leading anomaly investigations, and performing lab experiments to replicate findings in orbit.
- Enterprise & Government: Best in class solutions for large scale operations including 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 your mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another STEM discipline.
- 1+ years of experience design/analysis of circuits, electronic products, or hardware (internships/co-ops and club projects can apply).
- Graduating in the winter of of 2026 or spring/summer of 2027.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree.
- Electronic product experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life-cycle development of new hardware products and not small incremental updates to legacy hardware.
- Experience designing and implementing mixed-signal circuit boards from concept through production using processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi-GHz Serdes, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, RF/mm, operational amplifiers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, and power supply components.
- 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.
- Experience working on space grade hardware.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range: Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00 Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00
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 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. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) 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; 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 reach out to [email protected].
