Electrical Design Engineer (Direct To Cell)

spacex

Redmond, WA
full-time mid $100000 - $120000
Posted 6 days ago
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Summary

Generated 13 days ago

Role Overview

This role involves the full lifecycle ownership of hardware for SpaceX's Direct to Cell network, enabling global cellular connectivity from space. The engineer will tackle challenges in high-speed digital communications, analog systems, power electronics, and RF devices, working at the intersection of multiple engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Develop high-reliability electronics for satellites and spacecraft.
Drive system trades, requirements capture, component selection, and analysis.
Oversee schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, and hardware bring-up.
Debug, document, and support hardware through production, integration, and flight.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, thermal, software, and other engineering teams.
Challenge assumptions, learn from mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics.
1+ years of experience in circuit design, electronic products, or hardware.
Experience with mixed-signal circuit board design from concept to production.
Professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging electronics.
Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role.

Expected Impact

The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and deploying the hardware that powers SpaceX's Direct to Cell network, directly contributing to the expansion of Starlink's vision for global cellular connectivity and the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Why Apply

Be at the forefront of revolutionary space technology with the Direct to Cell network.
Own the entire hardware lifecycle for critical satellite components.
Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a mission-driven team.
This summary was generated from the original job posting (AI-assisted, human-reviewed). For full details, visit the company's site.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary, benefits, and perks for this role

Salary Range

$100000 - $120000

Competitive compensation based on experience and location

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive benefits package including:

  • • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • • 401(k) with company match
  • • Flexible PTO and holidays
  • • Professional development opportunities
From original job posting

Original 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.

ELECTRICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (DIRECT TO CELL)

The Direct to Cell network expands Starlink’s vision by providing global cellular connectivity from space.

As an Electrical Design Engineer on Direct-to-Cell, you’ll have ownership over the entire life-cycle of the hardware that enables this connectivity, and sits 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; as well as hardware troubleshooting to driving requirements for the underlying silicon and complete product production and test. This also includes driving successful business outcomes across interdisciplinary subsystems of the satellite, inclusive of mechanical and software engineering peers among other engineering disciplines.

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 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 and not small incremental updates to legacy hardware
  • 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
  • Experience designing RF circuits and performing electromagnetic simulations
  • 2+ years working on aerospace systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          
Electrical Design Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Electrical Design Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year   

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

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 access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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. 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com

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Important: This summary was generated from the original job posting (AI-assisted, human-reviewed). For complete details, terms, and application instructions, always visit the company's official website.