Power Systems Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)
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Key details
Why this role is notable
SpaceX is building its Starship launch infrastructure in-house at Starbase, treating the pad's power generation, storage, and microgrids as a bespoke industrial power plant that must be engineered from scratch for a rocket that uses enormous electrical loads.
Job Description
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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP)
As a member of the Starship Launch Engineering team, you design and build the electrical systems that enable a Starship launch. At Starbase, you own power distribution and supporting electrical systems for the launch mount, tower, propellant farm, power generation and storage, and ground equipment, from design through field commissioning, partnering with mechanical, controls, and fluids engineers. Your work scales high-capacity electrical infrastructure, ensuring the world’s most powerful rocket has reliable power exactly when the pad and mission need it. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead electrical design for Starship launch pad and Starbase power systems, including power distribution, motor control, microgrids, and supporting infrastructure
- Perform detailed design across the full power system: one-lines, three-lines, control and relaying schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA, conduit and cable routing, grounding, and construction documentation
- Design control panels, power distribution, and hazardous-area systems to NEC, NFPA 79, UL 508A, NFPA 70/70E, NESC, and IEEE standards
- Develop protective relay settings and schemes, and perform load, short-circuit, and arc-flash studies
- Own sitewide power budgets, monitoring, and metering, and coordinate with utilities so mission-critical pad equipment has reliable power.
- Scale launch and grid infrastructure, including standardized designs, to Starship production-rate targets
- Integrate electrical systems with high-power equipment, motion systems, and instrumentation, and support construction, activation, testing, and operations in the field
- Manage subcontractors and design documentation so installations match design intent and safety requirements
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience in power systems design, analysis, and build, with a focus on high-power, high-voltage systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES
- 3+ years of professional experience in a similar role
- Professional Engineering license or intention to actively seeking PE license
- Experience with power systems analysis software and tools: ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PowerWorld, Matlab, PSCAD, PSEE, Simulink, etc
- Experience performing basic load flow, short-circuit, arc-flash, coordination, and transient stability studies
- Familiarity with industrial power systems up to 345 kV, including switchgear, transformers, BESS, VFDs, motors, distribution systems, UPS/emergency backups, power generation, relaying, metering, protective devices, and networking
- Familiarity with industrial communications protocols and networking: Modbus, IEEE C37.115, IEEE C37.111, DNP3, etc
- Experience with CAD software: Revit, AutoCAD, NX, etc
- Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, and strong analytical/engineering fundamentals
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to lead teams, work independently, and thrive in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines
- Strong organizational skills to prioritize, schedule, and implement solutions with minimal operational impact
- Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and support technicians hands-on
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
- Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support launch operations
- Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE
- Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies
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.
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