Senior Satellite Payload Hardware Engineer

Starlink; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, dental

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Palo Alto is seeking a Sr. Hardware Design Engineer - Electrical, Satellite Payload (Starlink) to own the end-to-end hardware that enables Starlink connectivity, from concept through deorbit.

You will design high‑reliability electronics for satellites, with focus on phased array antennas and custom networking and modem hardware. You will work closely with mechanical, thermal, software, test, supply chain, silicon design, RF/antenna teams to deliver integrated, high‑performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another STEM field.
• 5+ years of experience designing hardware, circuits, or electronic products.
• Strong understanding of mixed-signal design and system integration.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly develop high-reliability electronics for satellites and spacecraft.
• Drive system trades, requirements capture, component selection, analysis, schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, and on-orbit performance.
• Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, software, RF/antenna, and other teams to deliver integrated hardware.
• Challenge assumptions, learn from mistakes, and drive continuous design improvements.

Skills

High-reliability design

Systems thinking

Python

C/C++

RF/antenna knowledge

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

SpaceX in Palo Alto is seeking a Sr. Hardware Design Engineer - Electrical, Satellite Payload (Starlink) to own the end-to-end hardware that enables Starlink connectivity, from concept through deorbit.

You will design high‑reliability electronics for satellites, with focus on phased array antennas and custom networking and modem hardware. You will work closely with mechanical, thermal, software, test, supply chain, silicon design, RF/antenna teams to deliver integrated, high‑performance