SpaceX · 11 hours ago
Electric Propulsion Engineer II (Starshield)
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$115K/yr - $135K/yr
3+ years expSpaceX is a pioneering aerospace company focused on enabling human life on Mars through advanced technologies. They are seeking an Electric Propulsion Engineer II to develop and support satellite thrusters for government use, primarily in earth observation and communications.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
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/lead time/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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics, mechanical or other engineering discipline
3+ years of total experience in one or a combination of the following: academic research focused on electric propulsion; or professional experience designing, testing, and analyzing electric propulsion systems
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
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
Preferred
Master's degree or PhD in an aerospace, mechanical, electrical 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
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, OR ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance is desired but not required
Benefits
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
2026-02-07
WSJ.com: US Business
2026-02-07
2026-02-07
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