Power Electronics Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

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.

POWER ELECTRONICS ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance electrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems must operate in the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference.

Our Power Electronics team designs and develops the power conversion and control systems at the heart of Starmind satellites and orbital data centers — enabling the reliable, high-efficiency power delivery required for massive on-orbit AI compute. As a member of the team, your designs will run the gamut from low voltage to kV range, and powers from 1W to many kW (applications include high-density compute power delivery, battery systems, motors/actuators, propulsion, laser optical links, and other vehicle systems critical to orbital AI platforms).

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, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in power converter development (internships/co-ops can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in power converter development (internships/co-ops can apply)
• Strong grasp of analog control and discrete logic design
• Experience in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics
• 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 lithium-ion battery handling, safety, and usage

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is 100% onsite and requires relocation to the Austin-Bastrop area if not already local – remote or hybrid work not considered
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Some travel may occasionally be required

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.