Electrical Design Engineer

About the role

Join the Starlink Mobile team to build hardware that provides global cellular connectivity from space. You will manage the full development lifecycle of satellite electronics, collaborating across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and software disciplines. This role places you at the intersection of orbital mechanics and communication systems where your designs directly enable connectivity on land, sea, and air. You will own the architectural decisions that allow satellites to communicate reliably with user terminals around the world. The work demands rigorous analysis, creative problem solving, and a commitment to building hardware that survives the harsh environment of space. You will partner with experts across multiple domains to translate high-level system requirements into robust electronic implementations. Your contributions will support the delivery of a global network that brings high-speed internet to unserved and underserved regions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create reliable electronics for spacecraft and satellites through iterative design and validation.
• Manage the entire hardware process from initial requirements and schematic capture to PCB layout, prototyping, and final production.
• Troubleshoot and test hardware during satellite integration and flight phases to ensure mission success.
• Coordinate with mechanical, thermal, software, supply chain, and silicon design teams to align on system goals.
• Evaluate system trades and refine designs based on performance data and emerging constraints.
• Develop schematics and layouts for mixed-signal boards that meet stringent reliability and performance targets.
• Implement digital logic and firmware interfaces in collaboration with software teams to enable seamless hardware-software integration.
• Conduct electromagnetic simulation and RF circuit design to optimize signal integrity and minimize interference in space environments.
• Support hardware bring-up and debugging activities throughout all phases of the product lifecycle.
• Apply Python, C, and C++ to create test scripts, automate measurements, and analyze engineering data.
• Partner with the supply chain team to select components that balance performance, cost, and availability for production programs.
• Document design decisions, test results, and verification activities to support audits, certification, and future iterations.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in physics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in hardware, circuit, or electronic product design, including internships or co-ops.
• Ability to work weekends or extended hours for mission-critical tasks.
• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.
• Willingness to adhere to SpaceX policies, including those related to safety, quality, and confidentiality.
• Must pass a background check and meet all applicable physical and medical requirements for the position.
• Must be legally eligible to accept employment in the United States and not be currently employed by SpaceX on a similar role.

Nice to have

• Master degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience delivering reliable hardware products from concept to production.
• 2+ years of experience with mixed-signal board design using FPGAs, processors, Ethernet, DDR4, multi-GHz Serdes, I2C, SPI, power components, and converters.
• 2+ years of experience in electronics debugging and troubleshooting.
• 2+ years of experience in the aerospace industry.
• Proficiency in C, C++, or Python.
• Background in RF circuit design and electromagnetic simulation.

Practical notes

• Salary Level I: $105,000 to $120,000 per year.
• Salary Level II: $115,000 to $145,000 per year.
• Total rewards include stock options, company stock, long-term cash awards, and discretionary bonuses.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Company shuttles available for travel between Seattle and the Redmond office.
• This role is based in Redmond, Washington, and is not eligible for remote work arrangements.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for employment authorization at the time of hire.
• The work environment can involve extended hours, particularly during critical project milestones and testing campaigns.
• Travel may be required for hardware integration, test coordination, or mission support activities as determined by project needs.
• Successful candidates must comply with all SpaceX policies regarding safety, quality, and documentation standards.
• This position contributes directly to the deployment and operation of a global satellite communication system.