Power Electronics Engineer - High Voltage (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

About The Position

SpaceX is developing Starlink, a broadband internet system comprising satellites, consumer receivers, and supporting software. SpaceX Gateways deliver internet from the ground to satellites and must be cost-effective, high-performing in all weather conditions, and reliable over long periods. 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 and prototyping through testing, integration, iteration, high-volume production, and ground station operation. The role involves designing and verifying DC-DC power converters and collaborating with experts in RF engineering, mechanical design, systems integration, manufacturing, and other disciplines.

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 projects or research, 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 meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations.

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 suitable architectures and components.
Understanding of fault-tolerant and reliability-focused design.
Familiarity with failure mode effects and criticality analysis.
Practical experience with in-lab 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.
Contribute to electrical power-system and subsystem design trades and shape requirements to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Define and execute verification testing and analysis for electrical power systems.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to define power electronics hardware.
Iterate rapidly on designs, analysis, and tests to inform system trades and product direction.
Work with digital embedded devices, analog sensing and telemetry, and system controls.
Take ownership of product outcomes throughout development and production.

Benefits

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