Power Electronics Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

About the role

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.

Our Power Electronics team designs and develops the power conversion and control systems at the heart of the Starlink satellites and portions of the ground systems - enabling the high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service provided by Starlink across the globe. As a member of the team, your designs will run the gamut from low voltage to kV range, and powers from 1W to many kW (other applications include solar/MPPT, battery, motors/actuators, ion propulsion, laser optical links, and other vehicle systems).

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise in design, analysis, and testing of DC-DC power converters for harsh environments
• Work on electrical power system and sub-system level design trades and develop requirements
• Define and perform electrical power system verification testing and analysis
• Work with multidisciplinary teams of design, test, and production engineers to create new power electronics hardware

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in power converter development

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or related field
• Strong grasp of analog control and discrete logic design
• Experience in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics
• Working experience in voltage and current mode control and compensation design
• Experience with AC-DC converters and power factor correction
• Strong grasp of DC-DC topologies, with ability to select optimal architectures and components
• Understanding of design for fault tolerance and reliability
• Familiar with failure mode effects and criticality analysis
• Familiarity with design of wire wound and planar inductors and transformers
• Familiarity with power supply testing and packaging for harsh environments
• Experience with in-lab impedance measurement and loop-gain measurement
• Familiarity with spacecraft electrical power systems and knowledge of radiation effects
• Familiarity with solar arrays as input power sources
• Familiarity with lithium-ion battery handling, safety, and usage

Additional Requirements

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

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.