Battery Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

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.

BATTERY TEST ENGINEER SATELLITES (STARLINK)

SpaceX isleveragingits experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink the worlds most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the worlds largest satellite constellation and is providing fast reliable internet tomillions ofusers worldwide. We design build test andoperateall parts of the system thousands of satellitesconsumerreceivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing and the software that brings it all begun to scratch the surface of Starlinks potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellationwerelooking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

Starlink Development Battery Test is a fast-paced R&D focused group that aims to increase reliability by testing Starlinks next-generation batteries. As a Battery Test Engineer you will design fabricate and implement battery test equipment as well as conduct development tests for the new battery packs and cells.

This role will help build out a comprehensive test suite to ensure the reliability safety and performance of the Starlink battery systems ranging in size from single cells to full packs. This individual is ultimately responsible for the outcome of Starlink batteries and must define overall test campaigns necessary to assess the performance of new cell technologies across our operational conditions and determine whether the fully assembled pack will function reliably and safely in-orbit for the life of the satellite. This role encompasses design analysis and manufacturing disciplines with the ability to spearhead large-scope projects from early design trades through implementation. This individual should be passionate about batteries with a background in mechanical engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create test fixturing concepts fabrication drawings wiring schematics and to establish mechanical thermal and electrical tests necessary for rapid development of battery packs and cells
• Develop and maintain test facilities including abuse testing chambers and vacuum chambers
• Establish safety protocols for high voltage applications and various destructive tests of battery cells
• Design test fixtures and data acquisition systems
• Document test plans procedures and results
• Provide feedback on system level design trades
• Design and analyze structures fluid systems and mechanisms
• Operate test beds with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer)
• Develop test requirements with the flight engineering team develop a design solution that meets or exceeds those requirements and drive the campaign to closure

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering
• 1 years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Involvement with an extracurricular project team designing and building mechanicalfixturing and/or battery systems
  • Academic research on mechanical structuresand batteries
  • Professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures and fixturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with electrical electrochemical fluidic electromechanical thermal structural pneumatic and vacuum systems
• Experience with basic test instrumentation such as current sensors contactors pressure transducers thermocouples RTDs strain gauges accelerometers flow meters load cells relays solenoid valves and encoders
• Experience with Arbin and Novonix cell cyclers
• Experience with Unigraphics (NX) or similar CAD programs
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)
• Experience with lithium-ion battery handling safety and usage
• Demonstrated understanding of structural and mechanical first principles analysis
• Familiarity with battery cell first principles
• Demonstrated full-cycle ownership of a hardware project from concept to implementation
• Hands-on experience with testing data acquisition and troubleshooting issues
• Hands-on design and fabrication experience
• Basic programming skills (Python and SQL preferred)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to travel as needed up to 25% to other SpaceX sites
• Physical effort including standing lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed
• Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Battery Test Engineer/Level I: $100000.00 - $115000.00/per year
Battery Test Engineer/Level II: $110000.00 - $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.

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 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.