Sr. Electric Propulsion Engineer (Starshield)

$130,000 - $180,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Sr. Electric Propulsion Engineer at SpaceX will play a crucial role in the development of electric thrusters for spacecraft, focusing on design, analysis, testing, and operational support. This position is integral to the Starshield program, which utilizes SpaceX's Starlink technology for government applications. The engineer will work collaboratively with a team of engineers to ensure the reliability and manufacturability of satellite thrusters, contributing to national security efforts and the broader goal of enabling human life on Mars.

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, including vibration, shock, thermal cycle, and life cycle tests.
• Balance rigor with risk tolerance to optimize cost, lead time, reliability, and performance.
• Take full ownership of critical spaceflight hardware, ensuring accountability for design and performance.
• Work in an integrated 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 engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in designing, testing, and analyzing electric propulsion systems.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related 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.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Self-motivated and well-organized with keen attention to detail.
• Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.
• 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.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.
• Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.