Lead PCB Designer (Starshield)

About the role

This position involves building and managing a new PCB design team dedicated to the Starshield program, which focuses on government-specific satellite and ground systems. You will guide technical direction, mentor staff, and collaborate across engineering and manufacturing departments to ensure high-performance hardware delivery. The role requires ownership of complex analog, digital, RF, and power circuitry within demanding aerospace environments. You will define project scope, priorities, and individual growth plans for direct reports to maintain alignment with program objectives. The position involves oversight of design projects to ensure they meet strict cost and performance targets on schedule. You will manage electronic data systems and standardize documentation processes for fabrication and assembly teams. Collaboration with cross-functional partners will refine design rules, testing guidelines, and manufacturing constraints throughout the product lifecycle.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Recruit and lead a team of high-performance PCB designers to meet Starshield program demands.
• Define project scope, priorities, and individual growth plans to align team capabilities with mission needs.
• Oversee design projects from concept to production, ensuring adherence to cost and performance targets.
• Manage electronic data systems and standardize documentation for fabrication, assembly, and test processes.
• Perform stackup determination, component selection, placement, and routing for analog, digital, RF, and power circuits.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to refine design rules, testing guidelines, and manufacturing constraints.
• Evaluate new design tools and provide training to elevate team proficiency and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with ECAD library management standards and best practices for documentation control.
• Drive implementation of DFM, DFA, and DFT rules to optimize yield and manufacturability.
• Apply expertise in layout for mixed-signal, high-speed buses, FPGA, CPU, DRAM, and power conversion technologies.
• Support the integration of MIL-STD and IPC standards into design flows for government satellite and ground systems.
• Collaborate on the adoption of scripting and automation to improve repetitive task efficiency and accuracy.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in an engineering field from an accredited institution.
• Possess a minimum of 2 years of hands-on PCB design experience in a professional setting.
• Have a minimum of 1 year of experience leading teams or managing projects end-to-end.
• Demonstrate the ability to work weekends and extended hours as required by critical mission schedules.
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations governing sensitive aerospace technology.
• Maintain eligibility for active U.S. government security clearances as required by program assignments.
• Show capability to interpret and apply ECAD library management standards in a production environment.
• Commit to adherence to company policies regarding drug and alcohol testing for roles involving sensitive missions.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with Mentor Xpedition or Altium Designer for advanced PCB design tasks.
• Proficiency in DFM, DFA, and DFT rules, including the use of tools like Valor Enterprise for manufacturing analysis.
• Background in high-volume production environments with a focus on meeting strict deadlines.
• Expertise in layout for mixed-signal designs, high-speed buses, FPGA, CPU, DRAM, and power conversion circuits.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD, IPC standards, ECAD library management, and scripting for design automation.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain one upon hire for access to classified programs.

Practical notes

• Active TS/SCI clearance holders receive a 10% salary differential, up to $20,000 annually, upon briefing into a classified program.
• Total rewards include company stock, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ holidays.
• Roles involving sensitive missions are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• This position is based in Hawthorne, California, and requires presence at the designated SpaceX facility.
• Employment is full-time, and schedule flexibility is required to support mission-critical timelines.
• U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is mandatory for participation in ITAR-controlled programs.
• Candidates should be prepared for potential cross-functional collaboration across Starshield and related SpaceX units.
• The successful candidate will contribute to hardware development critical to government satellite and ground system initiatives.
• This role operates within a fast-paced environment where adherence to standards and timely execution is essential.
• Continuous learning and application of emerging design tools and methodologies are expected to keep pace with technical advancements.
• Team leadership will involve both hands-on design work and strategic guidance to ensure project success.
• The position supports SpaceX's broader objectives in spaceflight, government systems, and advanced hardware engineering.
• All hires are subject to background checks and compliance verification as part of the employment process.
• Relocation is not provided for this role, and candidates must be prepared to work from the Hawthorne location.
• Performance in this role will be evaluated based on design quality, schedule adherence, and team development outcomes.
• Participation in training sessions and tool evaluations is required to maintain proficiency and innovation within the team.