Electric Propulsion Engineer (Starshield)

$115,000 - $135,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Electric Propulsion Engineer (Starshield) at SpaceX is responsible for the design, analysis, testing, and operational support of electric thrusters for spacecraft. This role focuses on developing reliable and manufacturable satellite thrusters, contributing to national security efforts through the Starshield program, which utilizes SpaceX's Starlink technology. The engineer will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and technicians to ensure high-rate production and operational efficiency of propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, and provide operational support of spacecraft electric thrusters.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to ensure designs enable efficient and reliable 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, including vibration, shock, thermal cycle, and life cycle tests.
• Balance cost, lead time, reliability, and performance to minimize failure rates in critical systems.
• Take full ownership of critical spaceflight hardware, ensuring accountability for design and performance.
• Work in a collaborative team environment with daily interactions among technicians, engineers, and managers.
• Maintain a positive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics, mechanical, or other engineering disciplines.
• 2+ years of experience in designing, building, and testing electric propulsion components or systems.

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.
• Potential discretionary bonuses and employee stock purchase plan.