Electrical Hardware Engineer, Satellites

About the role

Join the Starlink team to develop high-reliability electronics for satellite systems. This role involves full lifecycle ownership of hardware, from initial design to on-orbit performance. You will contribute to the world's largest satellite constellation, delivering advanced broadband internet. The position requires a proactive approach to engineering where you take initiative in solving complex problems. You will be responsible for ensuring that hardware solutions meet stringent reliability and performance standards in space environments. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that pushes the boundaries of satellite communication. Your work will directly impact global connectivity and support the infrastructure of future space exploration.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and develop reliable electronics for spacecraft and satellites, ensuring robustness for mission-critical operations.
• Manage system trades, define requirements, select components, perform analysis, and oversee schematic capture and PCB layout with precision.
• Conduct prototyping, hardware bring-up, debugging, and documentation for complex electrical designs to validate functionality.
• Support hardware through manufacturing, satellite integration, and flight operations to guarantee successful deployment.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, software, and other engineering teams to create integrated hardware solutions that meet system-level goals.
• Question assumptions, learn from errors, and approach technical challenges with an open mind to foster innovation.
• Implement rigorous testing methodologies to verify compliance with aerospace standards and project specifications.
• Optimize circuit performance while balancing power, size, weight, and cost constraints inherent to satellite applications.
• Interface with cross-functional stakeholders to translate system requirements into detailed hardware architectures.
• Drive design iterations based on test results, failure analysis, and evolving project needs to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Maintain detailed design records and technical documentation to support future development and regulatory compliance.
• Leverage simulation tools to predict hardware behavior and validate designs before physical implementation.
• Support qualification testing activities to ensure flight hardware meets all environmental and operational criteria.
• Participate in reviews and design approvals as part of a disciplined engineering release process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics as a foundational requirement for the role.
• At least 1 year of experience in designing circuits, electronic products, or hardware, with internships and co-ops counting toward this total.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations due to ITAR regulations.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and obtain necessary security clearances is mandatory for this position.
• Compliance with export control regulations is essential for participation in satellite hardware development.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet SpaceX security requirements for access to sensitive projects.
• Physical capability to perform job duties, including potential site visits and handling of test equipment.
• Willingness to adhere to company policies, safety procedures, and quality standards in all engineering activities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies relevant to aerospace hardware development.

Nice to have

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a similar engineering field for advanced technical depth.
• Over 2 years of professional experience rapidly designing and delivering highly reliable products in demanding environments.
• Over 2 years of electronic product experience, taking hardware from concept through production, focusing on new product development rather than minor updates to existing hardware.
• Over 2 years of experience designing and implementing mixed-signal circuit boards from concept to production, utilizing processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi-GHz Serdes, DDR4, I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, ADCs/DACs, and power supply components.
• Over 2 years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging electronics to resolve complex issues efficiently.
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages like Python or C/C++ for automation and firmware interaction.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional roles within matrixed organizational structures.
• Over 2 years of experience working on aerospace systems, with knowledge of space-qualified components and design practices.

Practical notes

Compensation includes base salary, potential long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts. Employees accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays annually. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time. Company shuttles are available for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office Monday through Friday. Occasional travel and extended hours may be required for critical deadlines.