Sr. Power Electronics Engineer

About the role

SpaceX is at the forefront of satellite technology with its ambitious Starlink project, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to millions around the globe. The Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA) team is responsible for developing advanced RF vacuum electronics hardware that operates at unprecedented speeds and costs. In this role, you will spearhead the design and development of high-voltage power supplies that are essential for TWTA systems used in ground-based gateway stations, guiding projects from their initial concept to mass production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Take ownership of the entire hardware lifecycle for power supplies, overseeing everything from initial design to large-scale production and operational deployment.
• Design and test DC-DC converters that can handle voltage levels in the kilovolt range and power outputs in the hundreds of watts, ensuring they are robust enough for challenging environmental conditions.
• Perform trade studies on electrical power systems to establish requirements that effectively balance performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Develop and execute comprehensive verification testing and analysis for power electronics subsystems to ensure they meet stringent specifications.
• Collaborate closely with engineers from RF, mechanical, systems integration, and manufacturing teams to define and refine hardware specifications.
• Rapidly iterate on designs, analyses, and testing to inform system-level decisions and influence product direction.
• Work with digital embedded controllers, analog sensing circuits, telemetry systems, and control loops to ensure seamless integration.
• Maintain full responsibility for product outcomes throughout both the development and production stages, ensuring high-quality results.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related STEM field is essential.
• A minimum of 5 years of practical experience in power converter development, gained through professional roles, research initiatives, or a combination of both.
• Proven experience in designing custom magnetics, including transformers, inductors, and planar magnetics.
• A solid foundation in modeling, simulation, and bench testing of power electronics systems is required.

Nice to have

• A Master's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field is preferred.
• A demonstrated history of managing a hardware project from inception to deployment is advantageous.
• A strong grasp of analog control systems and discrete logic design principles is beneficial.
• Hands-on experience with voltage mode and current mode control, including compensation design, is a plus.
• Familiarity with various DC-DC topologies and the ability to select optimal architectures and components is desirable.
• Knowledge of design principles focused on fault tolerance and reliability is a plus.
• Experience with failure mode effects and criticality analysis will be advantageous.
• Practical lab skills in impedance measurement and loop-gain measurement are beneficial.
• Excellent organizational skills along with strong written and verbal communication abilities are essential.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in DC-DC power converter design.
• Experience in developing high-voltage power supplies (kV-level).
• Proficiency in custom magnetics and planar magnetics design.
• Competence in power electronics modeling and simulation techniques.
• Familiarity with analog control systems.
• Skills in verification testing and analysis of power electronics components.

Practical notes

• This position is subject to ITAR regulations: candidates must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees as defined under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or must be able to obtain the necessary State Department authorization.
• The salary range for this position is between $135,000 and $205,000 annually.
• Additional compensation may include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the opportunity to purchase stock at a discount through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employees are offered comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Enjoy three weeks of paid vacation each year, in addition to ten or more paid holidays.
• Employees in Washington State will accrue paid sick leave in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Company-provided shuttles operate Monday through Friday, connecting select locations in Seattle with the Redmond office.
• Be prepared for the possibility of extended hours and occasional weekend work to meet critical project deadlines.