Sr. Power Electronics Engineer, Satellites

About the role

SpaceX is on the lookout for a skilled engineer to join the team working on the Starlink satellite project. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and validation of power conversion systems that are essential for delivering global broadband internet services. Your expertise will play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and reliability of the satellite constellation.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and test DC-DC power converters designed for operation in demanding environments, ensuring they meet stringent performance criteria.
• Establish requirements and conduct trade studies for various electrical power systems and their components, optimizing for efficiency and reliability.
• Carry out verification testing and detailed analysis to confirm that systems perform as intended under operational conditions.
• Work closely with production, testing, and design teams to create new power electronics hardware, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems.
• Document design processes and results, providing clear reports and presentations to stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise during the development and testing phases, implementing effective solutions.
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in power electronics to incorporate best practices into your work.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on complex projects, fostering a collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline is essential.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the development of power converters is required.
• Proven hands-on experience in the design and development of DC-DC power converters is necessary.
• Experience in designing custom transformers and inductors, particularly planar magnetics, is highly desirable.
• Strong skills in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics systems are required.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in power electronics design and testing is advantageous.

Nice to have

• A Master's degree in electrical engineering or a related field would be a plus.
• Expertise in analog control systems, discrete logic design, and compensation design is beneficial.
• Experience with AC-DC converters and power factor correction techniques is a valuable asset.
• Knowledge of fault tolerance principles, reliability assessments, and failure mode effects and criticality analysis is preferred.
• Experience with in-lab impedance and loop-gain measurements would be advantageous.
• Understanding of spacecraft power systems, including radiation effects, solar arrays, and lithium-ion battery safety protocols is a plus.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in various DC-DC topologies and their applications.
• Expertise in magnetics design and analysis for power electronics.
• Experience with power supply testing methodologies and equipment.
• Strong background in analog control techniques and their implementation.
• Familiarity with simulation software used for power electronics design and analysis.

Practical notes

• This role may require working on weekends or extended hours to meet critical project deadlines.
• The compensation package includes potential stock options, long-term cash incentives, discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits are offered, including medical, vision, dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and more than ten holidays each year.
• Company-provided shuttles are available from select locations in Seattle to the Redmond office, facilitating daily commutes.
• Compliance with ITAR regulations is mandatory; therefore, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to be eligible for this position.

Join SpaceX and be part of a pioneering team that is shaping the future of satellite communications and global connectivity. Your contributions will directly impact the success of the Starlink project and the delivery of high-speed internet to underserved areas around the world.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.