Sr. Electrical Design Engineer, Satellite Payload; Starlink

Sr. Electrical Design Engineer, Satellite Payload (Starlink)

Sunnyvale, CA

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

The Starlink team designs, builds, and operates the world’s most advanced communication network. Comprised of over ten thousand satellites in Low Earth Orbit and dozens of antenna payloads on the ground, this system delivers broadband internet to more than ten million customers around the world. We develop nearly every key piece of technology in the aerospace industry – from the satellites’ flight computers and electric propulsion systems to the advanced phased‑array antennas and radio‑frequency front‑ends.

We’re looking for best‑in‑class engineers to join the team.

As an Electrical Design Engineer on the Starlink Payload Engineering team, you’ll own the entire life‑cycle of the hardware that enables connectivity, working at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and antenna/RF engineering. You’ll design industry‑leading phased‑array and parabolic antennas, custom networking, compute, and modem hardware, and high‑power mixed‑signal ASICs and PAM‑4 Ser Des. You’ll be involved from concept through deorbit, with responsibilities including schematic capture, PCB layout, signal and power integrity analysis, hardware bring‑up, qualification, production test definition, and troubleshooting and failure analysis on orbit.

• Rapidly develop high‑reliability electronics for satellites and spacecraft.
• Drive system trades, requirements capture, component selection, analysis, schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, hardware bring‑up, debugging, documentation, manufacturing, test, and on‑orbit performance of complex electrical designs.
• Get hands‑on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight.
• Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, software, test, supply chain, silicon design, RF and antenna) to deliver tightly integrated, high‑performance hardware.
• Challenge assumptions, question requirements, learn from mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another STEM discipline.
• 5+ years of experience designing and analyzing circuits, electronic products, or hardware.

• 5+ years of electronic product experience designing hardware from concept through production; full life‑cycle development preferred.
• 3+ years of experience designing and implementing mixed‑signal circuit boards from concept through production using processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi‑GHz Ser Des, DRAM interfaces (DDR4, LPDDR5, etc.), I²C, SPI, RF signal chains, op‑amps, ADCs, DACs, and power supply components.
• 3+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging electronics.
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross‑functional role.
• Experience working on space‑grade hardware.

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission‑critical deadlines.
• Some travel may occasionally be required.

Pay Range:

Electrical Design Engineer/Senior: $140,000 - $190,000 per year

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, stock options, 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…