Sr. Electric Propulsion Engineer (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 of enabling human life on Mars.SR. ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While 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 a Sr. Electric Propulsion Engineering to work with a brilliant and passionate 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 historyWork closely with manufacturing team to ensure that your designs enable efficient, reliable, high-rate productionDesign, 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 instrumentationAnalyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test resultsSpearhead root cause investigations and component redesigns to improve reliability and/or production rateDevelop 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 rateFully own critical spaceflight hardware – every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardwareWork in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managersMaintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challengesBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in an aerospace engineering, physics, mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline5+ years of professional experience designing, testing, and analyzing electric propulsion systemsPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master’s degree in an aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or other engineering disciplineDeep understanding of vacuum chamber operations, thermodynamics, structural design, electromagnetism, plasma physics, and materials propertiesProficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++, Matlab)Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional roleAble to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environmentSelf-motivated, well organized with keen attention to detailOngoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of workActive Top Secret, Top Secret SCI; or ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance is desired but not requiredADDITIONAL 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 testingAbility 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 handMust be able to travel - up to 10-15% work week travel may be requiredCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range:      Propulsion Engineer/Senior: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/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 $15,000 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.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 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.