Electrical Design Engineer, Gateways & Customer Hardware

About the role

This position focuses on managing the complete development cycle of Starlink consumer hardware and ground station gateways from initial concept to final deployment. You will be responsible for creating high-volume electronics that enable global internet connectivity while rigorously ensuring hardware reliability under diverse and challenging environmental conditions. The role requires deep collaboration across disciplines to align hardware objectives with broader system requirements and operational goals. You will analyze real-world performance data sourced directly from orbit and laboratory testing to drive iterative design improvements. Troubleshooting intricate electrical anomalies and performing complex hardware bring-up will be central to your daily responsibilities. This role demands ownership of critical hardware decisions that directly impact product quality, user experience, and mission success. You will act as a primary technical lead guiding the hardware strategy for customer-facing gateway systems. Your work will ensure that electronic systems meet stringent reliability, cost, and manufacturability targets for mass production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and validate comprehensive electronic systems tailored for satellite communication hardware used in customer installations.
• Orchestrate the full hardware lifecycle, encompassing detailed requirements definition, strategic component selection, advanced schematic capture, precision PCB layout, and iterative prototyping.
• Facilitate deep collaboration with software, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing teams to achieve seamless hardware integration and resolve cross-domain dependencies.
• Provide critical support during production ramp, rigorous testing procedures, and complex satellite integration activities to ensure smooth transitions to mass manufacturing.
• Conduct thorough analysis of performance metrics derived from both orbital operations and controlled lab environments to inform targeted design refinements.
• Execute advanced troubleshooting of complex electrical issues and lead demanding hardware bring-up activities for new gateway platforms.
• Drive the implementation of robust test methodologies and validation processes to confirm compliance with stringent aerospace and regulatory standards.
• Optimize hardware designs for scalability, cost efficiency, and long-term reliability in diverse global deployment scenarios.
• Document all design decisions, analysis results, and verification activities to maintain clear technical records for future reference and audits.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of rigorous hardware engineering excellence within the team.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in electrical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline as a fundamental qualification.
• Possess a minimum of 1 year of professional experience specifically in circuit design or electronic product development within a demanding technical environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to work weekends or extended hours consistently to meet mission-critical project deadlines without compromise.
• Must satisfy ITAR compliance requirements by being a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee eligible for these classifications.
• Show capability to manage multiple concurrent design tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex technical concepts clearly to multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory adherence in all hardware development activities.
• Willingness to adhere to SpaceX policies regarding confidentiality, intellectual property, and collaborative team dynamics.

Nice to have

• Hold a Master degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related technical discipline for advanced specialization.
• Accumulate 2+ years of proven experience in rapid hardware delivery alongside full lifecycle product development from concept to launch.
• Bring 2+ years of hands-on experience with mixed-signal board design involving FPGAs, processors, Ethernet, multi-GHz Serdes, DDR4, I2C, SPI, ADCs, DACs, and sophisticated power supplies.
• Gain 2+ years of professional experience focused on electronics debugging and systematic testing methodologies in complex systems.
• Show proficiency in Python or C/C++ programming to develop test scripts, automation tools, and analysis software.
• Have a background working within cross-functional engineering environments requiring close coordination and integrated decision-making.
• Familiarity with aerospace or telecommunications industry standards and best practices for hardware development.
• Experience utilizing advanced simulation tools for electrical performance verification and predictive modeling.
• Track record of successfully guiding hardware projects through challenging technical obstacles and constraints.

Practical notes

• This position is subject to U.S. Government export regulations that govern technical data and hardware dissemination.
• SpaceX maintains a strict policy of equal opportunity employment for all applicants and employees regardless of background.