Power Electronics Engineer - High Voltage (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

15h•$105,000 - $175,000

About The Position

SpaceX is developing Starlink, a global broadband internet system that includes satellites, consumer receivers, and supporting software. SpaceX gateways deliver internet from the ground to satellites. The traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) team develops RF vacuum electronics and high-voltage power supplies for gateway communications systems. The Power Electronics Engineer will lead the design of kilovolt-level power supplies for TWTA systems and own hardware across its lifecycle, from concept through prototyping, testing, integration, production, and ground-station operation. The role involves designing and evaluating DC-DC power converters and electrical power systems for demanding environments, and working closely with RF, mechanical, systems integration, manufacturing, and other engineering teams. The engineer will iterate on designs, analysis, and testing to inform system-level decisions and product direction. The role requires a STEM bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience developing power converters, which may include professional work, student projects or research, internships, co-ops, or project teams. SpaceX prefers candidates with a relevant master's degree, full-cycle hardware project experience, and deeper skills in analog control, DC-DC converter design, reliability, and laboratory measurement. Applicants must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. Extended hours and some weekend work may be needed for mission-critical deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another STEM discipline.
At least 1 year of experience in power converter development through professional work, student project or research experience, or a combination; internships, co-ops, and project teams may count.
Experience working with magnetics and designing custom transformers and inductors, including planar magnetics.
Experience modeling, simulating, and testing power electronics.
Willingness to work extended hours and some weekends when needed for mission-critical deadlines.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations under export-control requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
Demonstrated full-cycle ownership of a hardware project from concept to implementation.
Strong understanding of analog control and discrete logic design.
Working experience with voltage-mode and current-mode control and compensation design.
Strong understanding of DC-DC topologies and ability to select appropriate architectures and components.
Understanding of fault-tolerant and reliability-focused design.
Familiarity with failure mode effects and criticality analysis.
Practical laboratory experience with impedance and loop-gain measurement.
Self-motivation and strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

Own hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production and ground-station operation.
Design, analyze, and rigorously test DC-DC power converters for harsh environments.
Design power supplies supporting tens of kilovolts and hundreds of watts.
Evaluate electrical power system and subsystem design tradeoffs and shape requirements for performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Define and execute verification testing and analysis for electrical power systems.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to define power electronics hardware.
Iterate rapidly on designs, analysis, and tests to inform system-level tradeoffs and product direction.
Interact with digital embedded devices, analog sensing and telemetry, and system controls.
Take ownership of product outcomes throughout development and production.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan allowing employees to purchase additional stock at a discount.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation may be available.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in accordance with state and federal law.
Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office, Monday through Friday.