Electric Propulsion Engineer II (Starshield)

Location: Hawthorne, CA

Department: Starshield Satellite Engineering

ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER II (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

SpaceX is looking to hire an Electric Propulsion Engineer to work with a brilliant and passionate team of engineers. You will have the opportunity to work on the development (design, analysis, build, and test) of the most reliable and manufacturable satellite thrusters in the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, analyze, test, and provide operational support of the most highly produced spacecraft electric thruster in history
• Work closely with manufacturing team to ensure that your designs enable efficient, reliable, high-rate production
• Design, build, modify, operate and troubleshoot the electric propulsion test facility; includes vacuum chambers, cryogenic pumps, performance measurement systems, magnetic field measurement systems, plasma diagnostic systems, data acquisition and control systems, and associated wiring and instrumentation
• Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results
• Spearhead root cause investigations and component redesigns to improve reliability and/or production rate
• Develop and execute qualification test plans to ensure readiness for flight (vibration, shock, thermal cycle, life cycle)
• Balance rigor with risk tolerance to find the sweet spot in the cost/lead time/reliability/performance space for a system that cannot accept a non-zero failure rate
• Fully own critical spaceflight hardware – every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware
• Work in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challenges

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, physics, mechanical or other engineering discipline
• 3+ years of total experience in one or a combination of the following: academic research focused on electric propulsion; or professional experience designing, testing, and analyzing electric propulsion systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in an aerospace, mechanical, electrical or similar engineering discipline
• Deep understanding of vacuum chamber operations, thermodynamics, structural design, electromagnetism, plasma physics, and materials properties
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++, Matlab)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Self-motivated, well organized with keen attention to detail
• Must have an ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, OR ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance is desired but not required

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Ability to perform job duties that require working in vacuum chambers, including standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay Range:      
Electric Propulsion Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.