Sr. Power Systems Engineer (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX invites a Sr. Power Systems Engineer to join the High Power Engineering team at Starbase, TX. You will design and operate high‑power grids for Starship production and launch sites, ensuring reliable energy flow and safety.

This role involves cross‑functional leadership and hands‑on system scaling for ambitious missions. Requirements include a bachelor’s in electrical engineering and 5+ years in power systems; PE license is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in power systems design for high‑power systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, operate, and maintain microgrids for Starbase, TX.
• Lead cross‑functional teams and drive improvements for Starbase sites.
• Scale systems to meet production rate targets.
• Create site power budgets, monitoring, and metering for assets.
• Develop asset strategies for launch and grid infra.
• Create standard designs for launch and power facilities.
• Detail power system designs: 1‑line, 3‑line, SCADA, grounding.
• Set protective relay settings for high‑voltage equipment.
• Maintain design and asset documentation for Starbase facilities.
• Ensure NFPA 70/70B/70E, NESC, IEEE compliance and safety.

Skills

Power systems design

High voltage

Project leadership

Electrical engineering

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

SKM

EasyPower

PowerWorld

Matlab/Simulink

PSCAD

Revit/AutoCAD

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.

SR. POWER SYSTEMS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

Join the High Power Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of advanced power generation, transmission, and distribution systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As a power systems engineer, you'll work with a team to scale high‑capacity electrical infrastructure for the world's most powerful rocket, ensuring seamless energy flow for groundbreaking missions. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, build, operate, and maintain the various microgrids that comprise Starbase, TX.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams; lead projects; and drive rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase launch sites.
• Be responsible for infrastructure upgrades to dynamically scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.
• Create and maintain sitewide power budgets, monitoring, and metering for mission‑critical assets to optimize visibility and efficiency.
• Develop and execute asset strategies for high‑power launch and grid infrastructure.
• Develop standardized designs for launch, propellant generation, and power delivery facilities.
• Perform detailed design on all aspects of electrical power systems: one‑lines, three‑lines, control/relaying schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA, conduit/cable sizing/routing, grounding design, general arrangement, etc.
• Develop and implement protective relay settings and schemes for high‑voltage equipment.
• Maintain organized design and asset documentation for all Starbase launch and power facilities.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in power systems design, analysis, and build, with a focus on high‑power, high‑voltage systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• 8+ years of professional experience in a similar role.
• Professional Engineering license or intention to actively seek PE license.
• Experience with power systems analysis software and tools: ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PowerWorld, Matlab, PSCAD, PSEE, Simulink, etc.
• Experience performing basic load flow, short‑circuit, arc‑flash, coordination, and transient stability studies.
• Familiarity with industrial power systems up to 345 kV, including switchgear, transformers, BESS, VFDs, motors, distribution systems, UPS/emergency backups, power generation, relaying, metering, protective devices, and networking.
• Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc.
• Experience with CAD software: Revit, AutoCAD, NX, etc.
• Demonstrated initiative, creative problem‑solving, and strong analytical/engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, work independently, and thrive in dynamic, high‑stress environments with tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact.
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and support technicians hands‑on.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Perform hands‑on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights.
• Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations.
• Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Provide 24/7 on‑call support for emergencies.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or 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 Aff… should reach out to [e-mail].