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Hardware Development Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (STARSHIP)The Starship hardware development team supports the mission to revolutionize orbital flight and space travel - opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Our team builds some of the most advanced electronics ever flown in space - at a cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry. Become a part of this fast-moving and world-class hardware development team, work with super smart and motivated engineers, and achieve truly audacious goals. If you’re ready for a challenge and would like to help make our civilization multi-planetary then you’ve come to the right place!RESPONSIBILITIES:• Rapidly design, develop and test highly reliable electronics for communicating with our satellites.• Drive electrical architecture, specification, component selection, circuit board design, implementation, verification, board bring up and debugging.• Partner with software, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing teams and production test teams.BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering.• Experience rapidly designing electronics products.PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:• 2+ years of professional experience rapidly designing and delivering highly reliable products.• 2+ years of electronic product experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life cycle development of new hardware products and not small incremental updates to legacy hardware.• 2+ years of experience designing and implementing mixed-signal circuit boards from concept through production using processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, multi-GHz SerDes, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, and power supply components.• 2+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting and debugging electronics.• 2+ years of professional experience with fast-paced projects.• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++).• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role.• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay Range:Hardware Development Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per yearHardware Development Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per yearYour actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.ITAR REQUIREMENTS:• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.#J-18808-LjbffrSkills:Analog Microwave or Power, C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Component Selection, Computer Engineering, Cross-Functional, DRAM, Debugging Skills, Digital/Analog Converter, Double Data Rate SDRAM, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Electronic Design, Electronics, Ethernet, FPGA, Government Regulations, Hardware Administration, Hardware Design, Hardware Development, I2C, Linux Media Players, Manufacturing/Production Testing, Mixed Signal Circuits, Power Amplifier, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Printed Circuit Board Design, Product Design, Product Development, Product Lifecycle, Programming Languages, Python Programming/Scripting Language, SERDES, Satellite Communications, Startup, Stock Purchase Plans, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, United States Citizen, Writing SkillsAbout the Company:SpaceX
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What You Should Know About Hardware Development Engineer (Starship), SpaceX

SpaceX is on a mission to revolutionize space travel and exploration, and we are looking for a passionate Hardware Development Engineer (Starship) to join our team in Torrance, CA. As part of our remarkable Starship hardware development team, you'll play a crucial role in designing and developing advanced electronics for satellites — pioneering the future of multi-planetary existence! In this dynamic role, you will rapidly prototype, develop, and rigorously test highly reliable electronics, ensuring seamless communication with our spacecraft. You will drive the electrical architecture, work on circuit board design, and collaborate with talented teams of mechanical, software, and production experts to deliver cutting-edge technology. If you're someone with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering and experience in designing products from concept to production, we want to hear from you! With over two years of professional experience in electronics design, strong knowledge of programming languages like Python and C/C++, and an enthusiastic spirit for space exploration, you will thrive in our fast-paced and innovative environment. At SpaceX, we believe your contributions will not only help reshape the future of humanity but also help you to grow into the best version of yourself. Come join us in creating a future where humanity becomes a multi-planetary species — let’s explore the stars together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Hardware Development Engineer (Starship) Role at SpaceX
What are the main responsibilities of a Hardware Development Engineer at SpaceX?

As a Hardware Development Engineer (Starship) at SpaceX, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing highly reliable electronics that provide communication with our satellites. You'll engage in rapid prototyping and testing of circuit boards while collaborating with various cross-functional teams to drive your projects from initial concept to production. Your expertise in electrical architecture and component selection will play a critical role in our mission of making humanity multi-planetary.

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What qualifications are necessary to become a Hardware Development Engineer at SpaceX?

To qualify for the Hardware Development Engineer (Starship) position at SpaceX, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering and ideally possess over two years of experience in the rapid design and delivery of highly reliable electronics products. Familiarity with mixed-signal circuit design, programming languages including Python and C/C++, and a genuine passion for advancing human spaceflight are also highly valued.

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What skills are preferred for a Hardware Development Engineer at SpaceX?

For the Hardware Development Engineer (Starship) role at SpaceX, preferred candidates should have at least two years of experience in hardware design throughout all stages—concept to production. Skills in designing mixed-signal circuit boards, software proficiency, and the ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment are key. A strong understanding of cross-functional collaboration with teams such as mechanical and thermal engineering will also greatly benefit candidates.

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What is the salary range for a Hardware Development Engineer at SpaceX?

The salary for a Hardware Development Engineer (Starship) at SpaceX varies based on experience and qualifications. For entry-level candidates, the pay range starts at $100,000.00 to $120,000.00 per year, while experienced engineers may earn between $115,000.00 and $135,000.00. Along with competitive salary packages, employees also receive stock options, medical benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off.

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What type of work environment can one expect as a Hardware Development Engineer at SpaceX?

As a Hardware Development Engineer (Starship) at SpaceX, you will work in a fast-paced and innovative environment, driving the revolution in space travel. The culture is geared toward autonomy and collaboration among highly skilled engineers. Extended hours and a challenging yet rewarding atmosphere are commonplace, as we collectively work towards the audacious goal of establishing humanity's presence in space.

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Common Interview Questions for Hardware Development Engineer (Starship)
Can you describe your experience with electronics design from concept to production?

In your response, highlight specific projects where you led the electronics design process, emphasizing your role in prototyping, testing, and working with cross-functional teams. Discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, detailing the technical skills that you utilized.

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What tools and software do you typically use for circuit design and testing?

Mention the specific software and tools you're proficient in, such as CAD software for PCB design, simulation tools, and debugging equipment. Be sure to link your experience with how these tools enhanced your design process and improved product reliability.

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Describe a time when you worked collaboratively with different engineering disciplines.

Focus on a project that required collaboration between hardware and software or mechanical engineering teams. Emphasize your communication skills, your ability to bridge technical gaps, and how you contributed to the successful completion of the project.

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How do you prioritize tasks during a critical project deadline?

Demonstrate your organizational skills by discussing methods you’ve utilized, such as creating timelines, delegating tasks, or using project management tools. Provide an example of a past experience where your prioritization led to successful project outcomes.

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What challenges have you encountered while testing electronics, and how did you resolve them?

Consider sharing specific examples of testing obstacles, such as unexpected circuit failures or issues in signal integrity. Explain your systematic approach to troubleshooting these issues and the insights gained from those experiences.

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How do you stay updated on the latest trends in electronics and hardware development?

Talk about the resources you rely on, such as professional organizations, journals, or online platforms. Mention any conferences you attend and how continuous learning has impacted your work in hardware development.

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What is your philosophy regarding the balance between innovation and reliability in hardware design?

Define your viewpoint on innovating while maintaining high reliability. Share instances from your work where you found a balance that led to successful product development, and explain how you ensure both aspects are addressed in your designs.

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How do you handle feedback and criticism on your design work?

Reflect on the importance of constructive feedback in your design process. Share a scenario where you received feedback, how you adapted your design, and the positive results that followed as a result of embracing criticism.

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What motivates you to work in the aerospace sector, particularly with SpaceX?

Articulate your passion for space exploration and technology. Discuss how SpaceX’s mission resonates with your values and ambitions and how contributing to space travel drives your work ethic and creativity.

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Tell us about a project where you had to troubleshoot hardware problems under pressure.

Choose a relevant scenario that illustrates your problem-solving skills under tight deadlines. Detail your rationale, the approach you took, and the ultimate success and lessons learned from the troubleshooting process.

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SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is an aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company aiming to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

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