Sr. Electromagnetic Effects Engineer; Lightning Effects

Position: Sr. Electromagnetic Effects Engineer (Lightning Effects)
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.

SR. ELECTROMAGNETIC EFFECTS ENGINEER (LIGHTNING EFFECTS)
As a member of our fast-paced electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) team, you will be responsible for ensuring hardware performance through some of the harshest and varied electromagnetic environments imaginable. Your explicit goal will be ensuring that our orbital class reusable launch vehicles are designed to handle direct and indirect effects of lightning phenomena. The E3 team at SpaceX performs exhaustive analysis, design, and test at the board, unit, subsystem, and system levels with extensive opportunity to interact with a vast array of rocket, spacecraft, and ground support equipment hardware and electronics.

As one of the few teams required to interface with the design, manufacturing, integration, and mission operations teams, they play a critical role in the development of SpaceX systems as we advance our efforts towards broadband satellite internet and safe, reliable, inexpensive, and innovative access to space with the fundamental goal of expanding human space exploration capabilities. RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform lightning zoning analysis and design SpaceX orbital vehicles to survive lightning direct and indirect effects

Perform computational modeling of lightning stress coupling to electrical interfaces using CST, HFSS, EMA3D or other EM solvers Perform analysis to characterize lightning effects and mitigations including circuit and power system grounding architectures, structural electrical bonding, circuit isolation, transfer impedance, shielding effectiveness, near field/far field electrodynamics, arc flash, etc. Inform and review direct and indirect effects testing to verify lightning robustness on subsystems including propulsion systems, recovery systems, autonomous flight safety systems, solar arrays, structures, avionics, ground support equipment, RF and communications systems

Generate control plans, technical memos, test plans and test reports as needed

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline3+ years of experience in electromagnetic environmental effects or computational physics

Experience programming in Python PREFERRED

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of E3 work experience, including EMI/EMC requirements, analysis, design, and testing Previous work experience with SAE ARP lightning specifications, DO160G, MIL-STD-461

MIL-STD-464, NFPA - 780 (DO-160 training and/or certification credentials) Knowledge of lightning electromagnetic effects on commercial aircraft, space vehicles, and launch vehicles including effects of grounding/bonding/shielding, composites, HIRF, electromagnetic field coupling

Maxwell's equations, image charge/current, and lumped element modeling Previous work experience with reading and interpreting circuit schematics, PCB layouts, engineering drawings, BOMs, cable harnesses, wiring schematics, interface diagrams, layout drawings, mechanical drawings and CAD software

Demonstrated experience troubleshooting EMI/EMC events from board to system level Experience in a fast-paced work environment with production/flight hardware

Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy Excellent verbal and written communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 3: $ - $Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other…