Sr. Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical - (Starlink) Verified today

SpaceX · Redmond, WA · Electronics · first seen 2026-07-16

Sr. Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical - Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX is deploying Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system: thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that brings it all together.

As an Electrical Design Engineer on Starlink, you will own the entire lifecycle of hardware that enables connectivity. Your work spans electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and antenna/RF engineering. You will tackle high-speed digital communications, analog circuits, network system integration, power electronics, and RF devices. Your responsibilities range from system design and schematic capture to PCB layout oversight, hardware troubleshooting, and driving requirements for silicon and product production and test.

You will work across two sub-teams:

Avionics: The backbone of Starlink satellites. Bus avionics systems control the vehicle, convert and distribute kilowatts of power, route high-speed vehicle and user traffic, and connect satellites via Space Lasers. The team is responsible for design, development, and success of these systems from concept to operation.
Payload: Starlink satellites employ industry-leading phased arrays, parabolic antennas, and fully custom compute and modem electronics. The Payload team is responsible for design, development, and success of this hardware from concept to operation.

Your placement on these teams will be determined during the interview process based on technical fit, expertise, and your preference.

Responsibilities

Rapidly develop high-reliability electronics for satellites and spacecraft.
Drive system trades, requirements capture, component selection, analysis, schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, hardware bring-up, debugging, documentation, manufacturing, test, and on-orbit performance of complex electrical designs.
Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight.
Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, silicon design) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware.
Challenge assumptions, question requirements, learn from mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or physics.
5+ years of industry experience designing circuits, electronic products, or hardware.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree.
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 lifecycle development of new hardware products.
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.
Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++).
Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role.
2+ years working on aerospace systems.

Additional Requirements

Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.
Some travel may occasionally be required.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $135,000 to $205,000 per year. Actual level and base salary determined case-by-case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. 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 receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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 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 (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.