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 work within the Starshield program, which utilizes Starlink technology to support national security efforts. This role focuses on the design, analysis, and testing of electric thrusters for spacecraft, ensuring high reliability and manufacturability. The engineer will collaborate with a team to develop cutting-edge propulsion systems that meet the demands of government applications, particularly in earth observation and communications.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, and provide operational support of spacecraft electric thrusters.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to ensure designs enable efficient, reliable, high-rate production.
• Design, build, modify, operate, and troubleshoot the electric propulsion test facility, including various measurement and diagnostic systems.
• Analyze and review data to ensure hardware operates as expected using numerical data analysis tools.
• Lead root cause investigations and component redesigns to enhance reliability and production rates.
• Develop and execute qualification test plans to ensure flight readiness.
• Balance cost, lead time, reliability, and performance for critical systems.
• Take full ownership of critical spaceflight hardware, ensuring accountability for design and performance.
• Work in a collaborative team environment with daily interactions across various roles.
• Maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges.

Requirements

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

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.
• Ability to work in a highly cross-functional role.
• Strong prioritization and execution skills in high-pressure environments.
• Self-motivated and organized with attention to detail.
• Drive for continuous improvement in work processes.
• Active Top Secret clearance or willingness to obtain one.

Benefits

• Life insurance
• Parental leave
• Paid holidays
• Sick time
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Stock options