Electrical Engineer, Spacecraft Avionics

About the role

SpaceX is actively seeking an electrical engineer to contribute to the Starshield program, which applies Starlink technology to government-focused satellite missions. In this role, you will own the complete hardware lifecycle for avionics, from initial concept and design phases through in-orbit support and anomaly resolution. You will work across earth observation, communications, and hosted payload missions, where the pace is fast and the technical challenges are significant. The position requires comfort with both clean-sheet architectural thinking and the iterative process of diagnosing issues on spacecraft already orbiting Earth. You will have direct responsibility for ensuring that avionics hardware meets demanding reliability standards while supporting program schedules. This role is embedded within the Starshield team, where your decisions directly influence mission success and data delivery for government customers. You will translate high-level system requirements into detailed electrical implementations and verify them through rigorous test and validation activities. The work spans the entire development flow, influencing not only the design but also manufacturing, integration, and on-orbit operations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design, build, and validate high-reliability electronics for satellite communication systems on accelerated timelines, ensuring performance under demanding conditions.
• Lead electrical architecture decisions, balancing performance, mass, power, and schedule while selecting appropriate components for space environments.
• Create detailed circuit board designs, bringing up and debugging finished boards to resolve issues before flight hardware is committed.
• Collaborate with software, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and production test groups to ensure seamless system-level compatibility and integration.
• Develop and execute test procedures that verify electrical performance, reliability, and compliance with stringent aerospace requirements.
• Support diagnostic activities for satellites in orbit, analyzing telemetry and developing solutions to extend mission life and data return.
• Define and maintain hardware documentation, design reviews, and verification artifacts that meet regulatory and customer standards.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance, code reviews, and practical advice grounded in real-world flight hardware experience.
• Drive improvements in test coverage and manufacturing yield to reduce risk and enable scalable production of avionics hardware.
• Partner with mission planners to ensure that avionics configurations support evolving operational needs and payload requirements.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience designing electronics products that meet performance, reliability, and safety standards.
• Show evidence of disciplined engineering practices, including requirements tracing, design reviews, and verification planning.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving skills when working with complex, multi-board systems and interfaces.
• Maintain a professional approach to documentation, change control, and configuration management in a regulated environment.
• Be capable of working independently and within cross-functional teams in a fast-moving, deadline-driven organization.
• Understand the implications of space qualification, testing, and launch environments on electronic hardware choices.
• Commit to adhering to all project standards, safety protocols, and customer contractual requirements without exception.

Nice to have

• 2+ years of rapidly designing and shipping high-reliability products in demanding environments.
• 2+ years of experience taking electronic hardware from concept through production, emphasizing new product development rather than incremental updates.
• 2+ years of designing mixed-signal boards using processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi-GHz SerDes, DDR4 DRAM interfaces, I2C, SPI, op amps, ADCs, DACs, and power supply circuits.
• 2+ years of testing, troubleshooting, and debugging electronic systems using measurement tools and diagnostic techniques.
• 2+ years of working on fast-moving projects where priorities shift quickly and adaptability is essential.
• Solid programming ability in Python and C/C++ for automation, test, and embedded firmware development.
• A track record of effective cross-functional collaboration with clear ownership and follow-through.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills that enable concise technical discussions with diverse audiences.

Skills & tools

• Mixed-signal circuit board design using modern CAD tools and analysis methods.
• Experience with processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi-GHz SerDes, and high-speed digital design techniques.
• Knowledge of DDR4 DRAM interfaces, I2C, SPI communication protocols, and sensor interfacing.
• Expertise with op amps, ADCs, DACs, and robust power supply design for space applications.
• Proficiency in Python, C, and C++ for development, testing, and integration of avionics systems.

Practical notes

• Pay range for Level I: $105,000 to $120,000 per year; Level II: $115,000 to $145,000 per year. Actual level and salary depend on skills, education, and experience.
• Holding an active security clearance adds a 10% differential, up to $20,000 extra per year, once you are briefed into a classified program.
• An active clearance may allow assignment to sensitive missions; those roles require pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Total compensation may include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and access to a discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k), short and long-term disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays, and paid sick leave per company policy.
• ITAR restriction: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be able to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorization.