Sr. Power Electronics Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) Verified today

Sr. Power Electronics Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX is deploying Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. The Power Electronics team designs and develops the power conversion and control systems at the heart of Starlink satellites and ground systems.

Your designs will span low voltage to kV range, powering 1W to many kW across applications including solar and MPPT, battery systems, motors and actuators, ion propulsion, laser optical links, and other vehicle systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise in design, analysis, and testing of DC-DC power converters for harsh environments
• Work on electrical power system and sub-system level design trades and develop requirements
• Define and perform electrical power system verification testing and analysis
• Work with multidisciplinary teams of design, test, and production engineers to create new power electronics hardware

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
• 5+ years of experience in power converter development
• Previous experience with DC-DC power converter development
• Previous experience working with magnetics and design of custom transformers and inductors, including planar magnetics
• Experience in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or related field
• Strong grasp of analog control and discrete logic design
• Working experience in voltage and current mode control and compensation design
• Experience with AC-DC converters and power factor correction
• Strong grasp of DC-DC topologies, with ability to select optimal architectures and components
• Understanding of design for fault tolerance and reliability
• Familiar with failure mode effects and criticality analysis
• Familiarity with design of wire wound and planar inductors and transformers
• Familiarity with power supply testing and packaging for harsh environments
• Experience with in-lab impedance measurement and loop-gain measurement
• Familiarity with spacecraft electrical power systems and knowledge of radiation effects
• Familiarity with solar arrays as input power sources
• Familiarity with lithium-ion battery handling, safety, and usage

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

Compensation

Base salary: $135,000 to $205,000 per year, determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total rewards include long-term incentives in company stock or stock options, discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan eligibility. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave. Three weeks paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick time accrual complies with Washington State law. Company shuttles available from select Seattle locations to Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirements

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.