Electric Propulsion Engineer II (Starshield)

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER II (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceXs Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use Starshield is designed for government use with an initial focus on earth observation communications and hosted payloads.

SpaceX is looking to hire an Electric Propulsion Engineer to work with a brilliant and passionate team of engineers. You will have the opportunity to work on the development (design analysis build and test) of the most reliable and manufacturable satellite thrusters in the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design analyze test and provide operational support of the most highly produced spacecraft electric thruster in history
• Work closely with manufacturing team to ensure that your designs enable efficient reliable high-rate production
• Design build modify operate and troubleshoot the electric propulsion test facility; includes vacuum chambers cryogenic pumps performance measurement systems magnetic field measurement systems plasma diagnostic systems data acquisition and control systems and associated wiring and instrumentation
• Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results
• Spearhead root cause investigations and component redesigns to improve reliability and/or production rate
• Develop and execute qualification test plans to ensure readiness for flight (vibration shock thermal cycle life cycle)
• Balance rigor with risk tolerance to find the sweet spot in the cost/lead time/reliability/performance space for a system that cannot accept a non-zero failure rate
• Fully own critical spaceflight hardware every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware
• Work in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians engineers and managers
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challenges

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in aerospace physics mechanical or other engineering discipline
• 3 years of total experience in one or a combination of the following: academic research focused on electric propulsion; or professional experience designing testing and analyzing electric propulsion systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree or PhD in an aerospace mechanical electrical or similar engineering discipline
• Deep understanding of vacuum chamber operations thermodynamics structural design electromagnetism plasma physics and materials properties
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python C/C Matlab)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Self-motivated well organized with keen attention to detail
• Must have an ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Active Top Secret Top Secret SCI OR ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance is desired but not required

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Ability to perform job duties that require working in vacuum chambers including standing kneeling crouching twisting upper body working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Electric Propulsion Engineer/Level II: $115000.00 - $135000.00/per year

Your 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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential up to an additional $15000 annually once officially briefed into a classified program.

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 and long-term disability insurance life insurance paid parental leave and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual carryover and use requirements of the law.

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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 SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.