Power Systems Engineer

About the role

SpaceX is in the process of establishing the electrical infrastructure necessary for the operations of Starship and the expanding Starbase community. This position is part of the High Power Engineering team, where you will be responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of power generation and distribution systems that support launch facilities, vehicle manufacturing, and propellant systems. The role is dynamic and hands-on, allowing you to have a direct influence on the readiness of missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and manage interconnected microgrids that power Starbase facilities.
• Collaborate with various engineering teams to spearhead projects and implement iterative enhancements at launch sites.
• Strategize infrastructure expansions to align with the production goals of Starship.
• Develop and oversee site-wide power budgets, monitoring dashboards, and metering systems for essential assets.
• Formulate asset management strategies for high-voltage launch and grid equipment.
• Create standardized designs for launch pads, propellant generation facilities, and power distribution systems.
• Generate detailed electrical schematics, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, control and relay schematics, wiring layouts, SCADA configurations, conduit and cable sizing, grounding plans, and overall arrangements.
• Establish and implement protective relay settings and coordination strategies for high-voltage equipment.
• Maintain up-to-date design records and asset documentation for all power and launch facilities.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards in all aspects of work.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in power systems design, analysis, and construction, focusing on high-power and high-voltage applications.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain, as well as in confined spaces or at heights.
• Availability for extended hours, weekends, and participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation during emergencies.
• Capability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted and wear necessary personal protective equipment in hazardous environments.

Nice to have

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in a similar role.
• A Professional Engineer license or active pursuit of PE certification.
• Familiarity with analysis software such as ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PowerWorld, Matlab, PSCAD, PSEE, or Simulink.
• Practical experience conducting load flow, short-circuit, arc-flash, coordination, and transient stability studies.
• Knowledge of industrial systems operating up to 345 kV, including switchgear, transformers, battery energy storage, variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, distribution networks, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), emergency backups, generation assets, relaying, metering, and protective devices.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols like Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, and DNP3.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as Revit, AutoCAD, or NX.
• A proven track record of innovative problem-solving and strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, sound judgment, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills for planning and implementing solutions with minimal disruption.
• Quick troubleshooting abilities and the capacity to provide direct support to technicians in the field.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in power systems design and analysis.
• Knowledge of microgrid architecture and operations.
• Experience with protective relaying and coordination.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and industrial networking.
• Proficiency in analysis tools such as ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PowerWorld, Matlab, PSCAD, PSEE, and Simulink.
• Understanding of communication protocols like Modbus, DNP3, IEEE C37.115, and IEEE C37.111.
• Proficient in CAD software including Revit, AutoCAD, and NX.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards.

Practical notes

• This position is subject to ITAR regulations: candidates must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the necessary U.S. Department of State authorization.
• Candidates requiring accommodations during the hiring process can reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com for assistance.