Power Systems Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)
About The Position
As a member of SpaceX’s Starship Launch Engineering team, the Power Systems Engineer designs and builds electrical systems that enable Starship launches. Based at Starbase, Texas, the position owns power distribution and supporting electrical systems for the launch mount, tower, propellant farm, power generation and storage, and ground equipment, from design through field commissioning. The engineer partners with mechanical, controls, and fluids engineers to scale high-capacity electrical infrastructure and ensure reliable power for the rocket, launch pad, and mission. The role may require travel to other SpaceX facilities. The position includes hands-on field work and support for construction, activation, testing, and operations. It also requires extended hours and weekends as needed for launch operations, remaining available for 24/7 emergency on-call support, and working safely in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
- At least 1 year of experience in power systems design, analysis, and build, with a focus on high-power, high-voltage systems.
- Ability to perform hands-on work in heat, cold, and rain, in tight quarters or at heights.
- Ability to remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed and provide 24/7 on-call emergency support.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to comply with ITAR requirements.
Nice To Haves
- At least 3 years of professional experience in a similar role.
- Professional Engineering license or actively seeking a PE license.
- Experience with power-systems analysis software and tools such as ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PowerWorld, Matlab, PSCAD, PSEE, or Simulink.
- Experience performing basic load-flow, short-circuit, arc-flash, coordination, and transient-stability studies.
- Familiarity with industrial power systems up to 345 kV, including switchgear, transformers, BESS, VFDs, motors, distribution systems, UPS and emergency backups, power generation, relaying, metering, protective devices, and networking.
- Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking, including Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, and DNP3.
- Experience with CAD software such as Revit, AutoCAD, or NX.
- Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong analytical and engineering fundamentals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to lead teams, work independently, and thrive in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.
- Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and support technicians hands-on.
Responsibilities
- Lead electrical design for Starship launch pad and Starbase power systems, including power distribution, motor control, microgrids, and supporting infrastructure.
- Perform detailed power-system design, including one-lines, three-lines, control and relaying schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA, conduit and cable routing, grounding, and construction documentation.
- Design control panels, power distribution, and hazardous-area systems to applicable NEC, NFPA, UL, NESC, and IEEE standards.
- Develop protective relay settings and schemes, and perform load, short-circuit, and arc-flash studies.
- Own sitewide power budgets, monitoring, and metering, and coordinate with utilities to ensure reliable power for mission-critical pad equipment.
- Scale launch and grid infrastructure, including standardized designs, to meet Starship production-rate targets.
- Integrate electrical systems with high-power equipment, motion systems, and instrumentation, and support construction, activation, testing, and field operations.
- Manage subcontractors and design documentation to ensure installations meet design intent and safety requirements.
- Troubleshoot issues quickly and provide hands-on support to technicians.
- Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies and work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
