Sr. Power Electronics Engineer, Satellites; Starlink

Overview

SpaceX was founded to enable humanity to explore the stars. SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, including the Starlink broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, delivering fast, reliable internet to millions of users. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, from satellites to customer equipment and software. We are seeking best-in-class engineers to join the Power Electronics team as SpaceX expands the Starlink constellation.

SR. POWER ELECTRONICS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

Our Power Electronics team designs and develops the power conversion and control systems at the heart of the Starlink satellites and portions of the ground systems. Designs range from low voltage to kilovolt range and power levels from 1 W to many kW, including solar/MPPT, battery, motors/actuators, ion propulsion, laser optical links, and other vehicle systems.

• Provide engineering expertise in the design, analysis, and testing of DC-DC power converters for harsh environments
• Work on electrical power system and sub-system level design trades and develop requirements
• Define and perform electrical power system verification testing and analysis
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of design, test, and production engineers to create new power electronics hardware

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
• 5+ years of experience in power converter development
• Experience with DC-DC power converter development
• Experience with magnetics and design of custom transformers and inductors, including planar magnetics
• Experience in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field
• Strong grasp of analog control and discrete logic design
• Experience in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics
• Working experience in voltage and current mode control and compensation design
• Experience with AC-DC converters and power factor correction
• Strong grasp of DC-DC topologies, with ability to select optimal architectures and components
• Understanding of design for fault tolerance and reliability
• Familiarity with failure mode effects and criticality analysis
• Familiarity with design of wire wound and planar inductors and transformers
• Familiarity with power supply testing and packaging for harsh environments
• Experience with in-lab impedance measurement and loop-gain measurement
• Familiarity with spacecraft electrical power systems and knowledge of radiation effects
• Familiarity with solar arrays as input power sources
• Familiarity with lithium-ion battery handling, safety, and usage

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines

Pay range:
Power Electronics Engineer/Senior: $ - $ per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of the total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, stock or stock options, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will receive access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks.

You may accrue paid vacation and holidays. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national; a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder); a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157; or an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, 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 requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should contact