Electrical Design Engineer II, Satellites (Starlink) - job 1 of 2

The Electrical Design Engineer II at SpaceX is responsible for developing high-reliability electronics for satellites, managing system trades and requirements, component selection, design documentation, and PCB layout. You will also conduct hardware testing and integration while collaborating across various engineering disciplines to ensure robust system performance.

Candidates applying for the Electrical Design Engineer II role at SpaceX should possess a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience in circuit design or hardware development. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and extensive experience in full life-cycle product development.

Preferred skills for the Electrical Design Engineer II role at SpaceX include expertise in mixed-signal circuit design, familiarity with programming languages such as Python and C/C++, and experience with various hardware components including processors and power supplies. A strong background in aerospace systems will be a significant advantage.

At SpaceX, the Electrical Design Engineer II is an integral part of a highly collaborative environment, working alongside teams in avionics, payload, and other engineering disciplines. You'll engage with teammates from mechanical and software engineering to drive collective success in the development and deployment of satellite technologies.

The salary range for an Electrical Design Engineer II at SpaceX typically falls between $115,000 and $150,000, dependent on factors such as experience, expertise, and education. Additionally, employees may receive stock options, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package.

When designing complex electrical systems, it’s important to start with a clear understanding of system requirements and constraints. I prioritize effective documentation and use simulations to validate design choices early. Collaboration with cross-functional teams also helps in aligning requirements and expectations, ensuring that all aspects of the design are integrated seamlessly.

In my previous roles, I've been heavily involved in PCB layout and design, where I focused on ensuring signal integrity and minimizing noise. My approach involves close collaboration with the fabrication team to understand their constraints and often using specialized software tools to implement design for manufacturability principles. Predictive analysis during the layout phase helps in addressing potential issues before production.

Ensuring high reliability in design involves thorough testing and verification of each component before integration. I utilize accelerated life testing, failure mode effects analysis, and redundancy strategies in my designs. Feedback from real-world applications is crucial, so I analyze performance data and iterate on designs to enhance reliability continuously.

I approach troubleshooting hardware issues methodically by first understanding the system in detail and using diagnostic tools to isolate the problem. I rely on both simulation data and empirical tests to confirm whether the issue lies within the circuitry or related systems. Keeping clear documentation of issues and their resolutions serves as a valuable resource for future projects.

In high-pressure situations, prioritization becomes critical. I focus on identifying key tasks that drive the most value and maintain clear communication with team members to ensure everyone is aligned. Time management tools and structured workflows assist me in keeping track of progress and adapting quickly to changing priorities.

In my career, I've designed mixed-signal circuits that incorporate both analog and digital components. This has involved working with ADCs and DACs, signal conditioning, and ensuring optimal power management. I enjoy tackling the technical challenges that come with integrating multiple signal types, often employing simulation tools to predict performance.

Software is integral to the electrical design process. I frequently use software for simulations and to emulate behavior before hardware is implemented. I also collaborate closely with software engineers to define interfaces and communication protocols, ensuring alignment between hardware and software functionalities.

Component selection starts with understanding the design requirements, including performance specifications, cost, and availability. I research the latest technologies and engage with suppliers to ensure components can deliver reliability and meet lifecycle expectations. Comparative analysis helps in deciding the best options for our designs.

I am motivated by the challenge and excitement of working on innovative technologies that can change how we connect with each other globally. Contributing to the development of satellite systems that enhance communication and accessibility inspires me to push boundaries and explore new solutions in this dynamic field.

One of the most challenging projects I worked on involved integrating new technology into a legacy system. The challenge was maintaining reliability while modernizing functionality. By utilizing a modular design approach and rigorous testing protocols, we minimized risks, enabling a smooth transition to the updated system while simultaneously enhancing performance.