New Graduate Engineer, Electrical

About the role

SpaceX is actively seeking recent graduates to join the Starlink division within our Bastrop, Texas facility, focusing on critical electrical engineering challenges. In this role, you will own the design, production, and testing of hardware that directly enables global satellite internet connectivity for consumers and ground station infrastructure. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including board level design, RF & Antenna, Process, Test, Reliability, Controls, Compliance, Facilities, and other essential functions. This position is integral to the development cycle of consumer terminals and the supporting ground station hardware that makes the network possible. The work involves hands-on responsibility from initial design through to validation and troubleshooting in a fast-paced environment. You will apply your academic knowledge to solve real-world engineering problems that impact the scalability and performance of our satellite constellation. Success in this role requires a strong aptitude for hardware development, rigorous testing methodologies, and a commitment to meeting stringent performance specifications.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage the full lifecycle of electrical designs including requirements gathering, component selection, schematic capture, and multi-layer PCB layout.
• Execute hardware bring-up procedures, perform systematic debugging, and conduct comprehensive testing to validate that performance meets all project specifications.
• Develop detailed simulation models using industry-standard tools to predict hardware behavior under various operating conditions and environmental stresses.
• Author Python automation scripts to streamline testing procedures for multiple units and facilitate seamless interaction with a wide range of laboratory instrumentation.
• Provide critical support for pre-silicon verification activities and participate in post-silicon validation to ensure design integrity.
• Diagnose and resolve complex issues affecting facility electrical systems and manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Contribute to the improvement of test coverage and manufacturing processes by analyzing data and implementing corrective actions that enhance product reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that electrical designs comply with regulatory standards and internal quality benchmarks.
• Evaluate and recommend new components and technologies that can enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of future generations of hardware.
• Document all design decisions, test procedures, and results meticulously to maintain clear records for future reference and audits.
• Assist in the development of prototypes from concept to functional hardware, iterating based on test feedback and performance data.
• Support the integration of electrical subsystems into larger assemblies, ensuring mechanical, thermal, and electrical compatibility.
• Participate in failure analysis investigations to identify root causes and implement effective solutions that prevent recurrence.
• Communicate technical findings clearly and effectively to both engineering peers and non-technical stakeholders through presentations and written reports.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related STEM field from an accredited institution.
• Be actively graduating with a bachelor's, master's, or PhD during the academic years 2026 or 2027.
• Possess a minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience in circuit design, analysis, or hardware projects, which may include internships, co-op programs, or active participation in academic clubs.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to satisfy ITAR compliance requirements for handling controlled technology.
• Demonstrate willingness to work weekends and extended hours as necessary to meet project deadlines and operational needs.
• Maintain eligibility to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for the position offered.
• Adhere to all company policies, safety procedures, and quality management systems relevant to the role.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision on complex tasks.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with mixed-signal board design that incorporates FPGAs, processors, Ethernet PHYs, Serdes interfaces, DRAM controllers, and power supply circuits.
• Demonstrated proficiency with a broad array of test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and source measurement units.
• Practical familiarity with environmental testing methodologies, such as thermal testing, vibration testing, shock testing, and humidity testing protocols.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C, or C++ to develop tools, scripts, and firmware for testing and hardware control.
• Previous exposure to industrial sensors, motion control systems, and manufacturing machinery used in production environments.
• Solid understanding of electronics manufacturing processes and strategies for improving test coverage and yield.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation to drive design improvements and validate performance trends.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and standards relevant to satellite and terrestrial networking equipment.

Practical notes

This role is based in Bastrop, Texas, and requires physical presence at the designated facility. The position is full-time and requires adherence to a flexible schedule, including occasional weekend work and extended hours to meet critical milestones. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all background checks and authorization to work in the United States. This role is subject to U.S. export control regulations, and applicants must be eligible to comply with these requirements. SpaceX is an equal opportunity employer, and applicants requiring reasonable accommodations or access to the Affirmative Action Plan should contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com for assistance.