New Graduate Engineer, Power Generation (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, POWER GENERATION (STARSHIP)

Starship is revolutionizing orbital flight and space travel–opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Our electrical engineers build some of the most advanced electronics ever flown in space, at a cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry. Become a part of this fast-moving and world-class electrical team. You’ll work with motivated engineers to achieve truly audacious goals. If you’re ready for a challenge and would like to help make our civilization multi-planetary, then you’ve come to the right place!

Your placement on these teams will be determined throughout the interview process after factoring in technical fit, expertise, and your personal preference. Sub-teams include, but are not limited to:

• Avionics: robust electronics for sensors, power, networking, and data acquisition that fly on the world’s most powerful rocket
• Automation & Controls: automated solutions for Starship manufacturing, vehicle handling, and launch pad systems
• Power Infrastructure: power generation, transmission, and distribution systems for launch and production

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, build, operate, and maintain electrical systems
• Develop analog and digital circuits from first principles for extreme environments; design switching power converters, signal conditioning, filters, and high-integrity layouts; support hardware through production, integration, and flight while collaborating across teams (EEE, EMI, radiation, propulsion, structures, GNC, etc.)
• Rapidly develop high-reliability avionics components (sensors, power systems, network interfaces, propulsion interfaces, data acquisition); drive system trades, requirements, component selection, schematic capture, prototyping, bring-up, debugging, analysis, testing (acceptance/qualification), documentation, manufacturing support, and flight support
• Participate in conceptual development of automated equipment and processes for Starship production
• Troubleshoot issues hands-on, support technicians, and ensure safe, efficient operation of systems in dynamic environments
• Design, build, operate, and maintain the various microgrids that comprise Starbase, TX
• Create and maintain sitewide power budgets, monitoring, and metering for mission-critical assets to optimize visibility and efficiency
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence
• Develop and implement protective relay settings and schemes for high-voltage equipment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in 2027
• Degree in an electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of electrical experience with power systems, automation & controls, or board and sensor design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with power systems analysis tools (ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PowerWorld, Matlab, PSCAD, etc.) and studies (load flow, short-circuit, arc-flash, coordination, transient stability); familiarity with industrial power systems up to high voltages including switchgear, transformers, BESS, VFDs, motors, UPS, generation, relaying, and metering
• Experience with industrial communications (Modbus, DNP3, IEEE protocols, Ethernet, fieldbuses) and networking concepts
• PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, robot systems (Kuka, ABB, Fanuc or similar), and safety systems
• Electrical schematic and panel design experience; hands-on building and commissioning of control panels and electromechanical systems
• Analog/digital circuit design, signal conditioning, power electronics (converters, magnetics, inverters, filters, EMI/EMC), high-speed digital/layout for signal integrity, high-voltage systems, batteries, load switches, microcontrollers, FPGAs, networking (including single-pair Ethernet), and circuit board design-for-manufacture

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.