Electrical Engineer, Stage 0 (Starship) - job 1 of 2

As an Electrical Engineer, Stage 0 at SpaceX, your main responsibilities will include managing the design, installation, and maintenance of all Starship Launch Pad electrical systems. You'll oversee high power electrical infrastructure crucial for launching, catching, and generating propellant for the Starship, as well as ensuring smooth daily operations on the pads. You’ll also coordinate electrical installations, troubleshoot stage 0 electrical components, and ensure compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.

To qualify for the Electrical Engineer, Stage 0 position at SpaceX, you will need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline. Additionally, at least 1 year of professional experience with power distribution systems, switchgear, UPS's, or generators is required. Ideally, if you have 3 or more years of experience in a similar role, you’ll have a competitive edge.

Preferred skills for the Electrical Engineer, Stage 0 role at SpaceX include strong abilities in reading and understanding power and control schematics, familiarity with variable frequency drives (VFDs), and experience with medium voltage distribution. Additional knowledge of MODBUS and Profinet communication is beneficial, along with expertise in control panel design and power coordination.

The work environment for an Electrical Engineer, Stage 0 at SpaceX is dynamic and challenging, often requiring adaptability to extreme outdoor conditions. You must be prepared to work extended hours, including weekends, especially during critical launch operations. A collaborative environment is encouraged, where you work closely with multidisciplinary teams to execute complex projects.

Yes, as an Electrical Engineer, Stage 0 at SpaceX, you may be required to travel to other Starship Launch and Test sites as necessary, with travel estimates around 10%. This is to ensure consistency and teamwork across different sites as we strive to achieve our ambitious goals.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you worked on electrical distribution systems, emphasizing your role, responsibilities, and any challenges you overcame. Discuss the systems you designed or maintained and point out key takeaways that affected overall project success.

Detail your knowledge of relevant codes like NFPA regulations, and share your experience conducting code reviews. Explain your approach to ensuring all designs and installations comply, discussing any tools or methodologies you use for ensuring adherence.

To answer this question, discuss your time management strategies, such as using checklists, prioritizing tasks based on urgency or impact, and the importance of communication within a team to delegate effectively. Give an example of a time you successfully managed multiple deadlines.

In your response, share specific examples of complex electrical issues you’ve encountered, your troubleshooting processes, and the results of your efforts. Highlight your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in real scenarios to demonstrate your capability.

Provide insights into your experience with VFDs, explaining what types you've worked with and in what context. If possible, describe a situation where you optimized or implemented VFDs for a project, showcasing your technical ability and understanding of benefits.

Illustrate your collaborative skills by discussing your approach to communication, how you integrate with various engineering disciplines, and your experience with joint problem-solving. Use an example where teamwork led to enhanced project outcomes.

List software tools you have experience with, such as AutoCAD for design or specific simulation software. Emphasize your adaptable learning abilities for new tools to show you can evolve with technologies.

Share details about any projects where you were involved in the design and production of control panels, including the specifications you had to meet, any challenges faced during the process, and the outcomes achieved from your designs.

Discuss your knowledge of arc flash studies, how you conducted them in your past roles, and the importance of these analyses for safety and compliance. Provide tangible examples of how this knowledge was applied in your work.

Discuss your experience interfacing with utility personnel, emphasizing the approaches you take to maintain clear communication, setting expectations, and managing timelines. Provide an example where effective communication impacted a project's success.