Electric Propulsion Engineer II (Starshield)

$115,000 - $135,000/Yr

SpaceX - Redmond, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Redmond, WA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Electric Propulsion Engineer II at SpaceX will be responsible for the design, analysis, testing, and operational support of electric thrusters for spacecraft, specifically within the Starshield program. This role involves collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure efficient production, troubleshooting propulsion test facilities, and leading investigations to enhance reliability and production rates. The engineer will also develop qualification test plans and maintain a high level of responsibility for critical spaceflight hardware, all while working in a dynamic team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, and provide operational support of spacecraft electric thrusters.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs enable efficient, reliable, high-rate production.
• Design, build, modify, operate, and troubleshoot the electric propulsion test facility.
• Analyze and review data to ensure hardware operates as expected using numerical data analysis tools.
• Lead root cause investigations and component redesigns to improve reliability and production rate.
• Develop and execute qualification test plans to ensure readiness for flight.
• Balance rigor with risk tolerance in system design to avoid non-zero failure rates.
• Fully own critical spaceflight hardware and maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics, mechanical, or other engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in electric propulsion, including academic research or professional experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or similar engineering discipline.
• Deep understanding of vacuum chamber operations, thermodynamics, structural design, electromagnetism, plasma physics, and materials properties.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and Matlab.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role.
• Self-motivated and well-organized with attention to detail.
• Active Top Secret clearance or willingness to obtain one.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.
• Access to long-term incentives, including company stock and stock options.