Sr. Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical

About the role

SpaceX is expanding the Starlink satellite constellation to provide global broadband internet. This role involves managing the full lifecycle of satellite hardware, from initial design and schematic capture to production and on-orbit performance. You will own the architectural decisions that ensure the satellite electronics meet stringent reliability and performance targets in the harsh environment of low Earth orbit. The position requires a high level of ownership where your designs directly impact the user experience and operational success of the constellation. You will act as a technical leader guiding complex hardware requirements through to flight acceptance. This role interfaces with nearly every engineering discipline to ensure seamless integration of your hardware solutions. Your work will contribute to closing the digital divide by enabling high-speed internet access in remote regions of the world.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and implement high-reliability electronic systems for spacecraft, ensuring robustness against space radiation and thermal extremes.
• Conduct system-level trade studies to evaluate performance, cost, and risk across multiple design alternatives.
• Define and manage complex hardware requirements to ensure alignment with mission objectives and regulatory standards.
• Perform component selection and qualification, analyzing specifications to ensure suitability for the space environment.
• Develop and maintain detailed schematics using industry-standard capture tools to document complex circuit networks.
• Execute advanced PCB layout for multi-layer boards, optimizing for signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management.
• Lead prototyping efforts, bringing up new hardware designs and validating functionality against rigorous test protocols.
• Debug intricate hardware issues using measurement equipment and analysis techniques to root cause failures.
• Partner with mechanical engineers to ensure enclosure fitment and thermal pathways meet structural and thermal constraints.
• Liaise with software teams to ensure firmware and hardware interfaces operate in harmony.
• Coordinate with supply chain professionals to manage component availability, obsolescence, and manufacturing readiness.
• Support satellite integration activities at the factory and during launch preparations to resolve last-minute issues.
• Provide technical support during satellite commissioning and throughout flight operations to address anomalies.
• Drive the documentation and verification activities necessary for production scaling and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics from an accredited institution.
• Possess 5+ years of industry experience in hardware or circuit design on complex systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to work extended hours or weekends to meet mission-critical deadlines without compromise.
• Must satisfy ITAR requirements by being a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Show a proven track record of delivering hardware solutions that meet strict reliability and safety standards.
• Exhibit strong analytical skills to interpret test data and adjust designs accordingly under pressure.
• Display effective communication skills to articulate technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Hold a Master degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Accumulate 2+ years of professional experience in rapid product delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Accumulate 2+ years of full lifecycle hardware development experience from concept to flight.
• Accumulate 2+ years of mixed-signal design experience including FPGAs, Ethernet, multi-GHz Serdes, DDR4, I2C, SPI, op-amps, ADCs, DACs, and power components.
• Accumulate 2+ years of experience in electronics troubleshooting and debugging complex hardware failures.
• Accumulate 2+ years of experience working on aerospace systems and their unique constraints.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Python, C, or C++ for automation, testing, or firmware interaction.

Practical notes

Compensation includes base salary, long-term incentives such as stock or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, dental, 401(k), disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays. Company shuttles are available from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office. Occasional travel may be required.