Hardware Engineer - Electrical, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Company stock options

Job summary

SpaceX is looking for a Hardware Engineer - Electrical for its Starlink project in Union Hill-Novelty Hill, Washington. The ideal candidate will develop high-reliability electronics, manage the entire hardware lifecycle, and work across disciplines like mechanical and software engineering. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's in electrical engineering and experience with circuit design and troubleshooting. Offers include a salary range of $105,000 to $145,000, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience designing circuits, electronic products, or hardware (internships/co-ops apply).
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++).

Responsibilities

• Rapidly develop high-reliability electronics for satellites and spacecraft.
• Drive system trades, requirements capture, component selection, and analysis.

Skills

Circuit design

Electronic product design

Programming (Python, C/C++)

Troubleshooting electronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

PCB layout software

Mixed-signal circuit development tools

Job description

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.

Hardware Engineer - Electrical, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best‑in‑class engineers to join the team.

As an Electrical Design Engineer on Starlink, you’ll have ownership over the entire life‑cycle of the hardware that enables this connectivity. You’ll sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna/RF engineering. Challenges range from high‑speed digital communications, analog, network system integration, power electronics, and RF devices. Your work will include everything from system design and schematic capture to PCB layout oversight; hardware troubleshooting; driving requirements for the underlying silicon; and complete product production and testing.

Sub‑teams include:

• Avionics: The backbone of Starlink satellites are the bus avionics systems which control the vehicle, convert and distribute kilowatts of power, route high‑speed vehicle and user traffic, and connect satellites to each other via Space Lasers. The team is responsible for the design, development, and ultimate success of these avionics systems from concept to grave.
• Payload: Starlink satellites employ industry‑leading phased arrays, parabolic antennas, and fully custom compute + modem electronics to deliver this connectivity. The Payload team is responsible for the design, development, and ultimate success of this hardware from concept to grave.

Your placement on these teams will be determined throughout the interviewing process after factoring in technical fit, expertise, and your personal preference.

Responsibilities

• 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 engineering, supply chain, silicon design, etc.) to deliver tightly integrated, high‑performance hardware.
• Challenge assumptions, question requirements, learn from your mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics.
• 1+ years of experience designing circuits, electronic products, or hardware (internships/co‑ops can apply).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a similar engineering degree.
• 2+ years of professional experience rapidly designing and delivering highly reliable products.
• 2+ years of electronic product experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life‑cycle development of new hardware products.
• 2+ years of experience designing and implementing mixed‑signal circuit boards from concept through production using processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi‑GHz Serdes, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I²C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog‑to‑digital and digital‑to‑analog converters, and power supply components.
• 2+ 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.
• 2+ years working on aerospace systems.

Additional Requirements

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

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:

Electrical Design Engineer/Level I: $105,000.00 – $125,000.00 per year

Electrical Design Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 – $145,000.00 per year

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You 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 comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.

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 [e-mail].