Power Electronics Engineer - High Voltage (Starlink)

SpaceX · Seattle

Hardware & Electricalposted 5w ago

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.

POWER ELECTRONICS ENGINEER - HIGH VOLTAGE (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our 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 provides fast, reliable internet to 10M+ 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 and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

SpaceX Gateways are responsible for delivering internet from the ground to the satellites – they must be cost effective, capable of high performance in all weather conditions, and reliable over long periods of time. The traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) team is revolutionizing RF vacuum electronics to power the future of space communications with SpaceX gateways by building hardware an order of magnitude faster than traditional industry and an order of magnitude more cost-effective. In addition, we're developing our own high-voltage power supplies to drive unparalleled performance in these high-frequency, high-bandwidth amplification systems critical to our mission.

As a key player on this team, you'll lead the design of sophisticated kV-level power supplies that drive TWTA systems. From concept to deployment, you'll own the full hardware lifecycle—prototyping, testing, integration, and iteration—while collaborating closely with experts across RF engineering, mechanical design, systems integration, manufacturing, and more. If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of power electronics and want to contribute to humanity's multi-planetary future, this is your chance to make a tangible impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and ground station operation
Deliver engineering expertise in designing, analyzing, and rigorously testing of DC-DC power converters built to thrive in harsh environments
Design power supplies that support 10s of kilovolts and hundreds of watts
Dive into electrical power system and sub-system design trades, shaping requirements that optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability
Lead in defining and executing comprehensive verification testing and analysis for electrical power systems
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to define power electronics hardware
Rapidly iterate on designs, analysis and test to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction
Interact with digital embedded devices, analog sensing and telemetry, system controls, etc.
Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
1+ years of experience in power converter development via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both (Internships, co-ops, and project teams can apply)
Previous experience working with magnetics and design of custom transformers and inductors, including planar magnetics
Experience in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field
Demonstrated full-cycle ownership of a hardware project from concept to implementation
Strong grasp of analog control and discrete logic design
Working experience in voltage and current mode control and compensation design
Strong grasp of DC-DC topologies, with ability to select optimal architectures and components
Understanding of design for fault tolerance and reliability
Familiar with failure mode effects and criticality analysis
Practical skills with in-lab impedance measurement and loop-gain measurement
Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work extended hours and some weekends if needed for mission critical deadlines

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.