Sr. Hardware Design Engineer - Electrical, Satellites Payload (Starlink)

SpaceX; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX’s Starlink Payload Engineering team is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to own the full hardware life cycle, from concept through production, for high‑power mixed‑signal ASICs, custom RF front‑ends, and power conversion that enable satellite connectivity.

You will collaborate across mechanical, thermal, software, test, supply chain, silicon design, RF and antenna teams to deliver tightly integrated, high‑performance hardware, support in‑orbit performance, and work extended hours or

Qualifications

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

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, testing, 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.

Skills

Python

C/C++

RF design

FPGA

Mixed-signal analog

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Physics

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Schematic capture

PCB layout

Oscilloscope

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

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 installations 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 house—from the satellites' flight computer and electric propulsion systems to the advanced phased‑array antennas and the ASICs that enable them.

As an Electrical Design Engineer on the Starlink Payload Engineering team, you will own the complete life cycle of the hardware that enables this connectivity, sitting at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and antenna/RF engineering. You will design high‑power mixed‑signal ASICs, custom RF front‑ends, power conversion, and more, while supporting the hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight.

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, 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.

Basic Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of electronic product experience designing hardware from concept through production; emphasis on full life‑cycle development.
• 3+ years of experience designing and implementing mixed‑signal circuit boards from concept through production using processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi‑GHz SerDes, DRAM interfaces (DDR4, LPDDR5, etc.), I2C, SPI, RF signal chains, operational amplifiers, 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.

Additional Requirements

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

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 (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157, (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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].