Electric Propulsion Engineer, Starlink Engineering

See more jobs from SpaceX

about 2 years old

This job is no longer active

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.

ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER, SATELLITE BUS ENGINEERING

The Satellite Propulsion Engineering team is responsible for 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/leadtime/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:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an aerospace, physics, mechanical or other engineering discipline
  • 2 years of total experience in one or a combination of the following: involvement with an outside the classroom project team designing, building and testing electric propulsion components; academic research focused on electric propulsion; or professional experience designing, testing, and analyzing electric propulsion systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree in an aerospace, mechanical 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • 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
  • Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.