Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Test Engineer

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.

ELECTROMAGNETIC ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS TEST ENGINEER

As a member of our fast-paced Electromagnetic Environmental Effects team, you will be responsible for ensuring avionics hardware performance across our fleet of vehicles (Dragon, Falcon, Starship, Lunar Human Landing System, etc.) through some of the harshest and varied radiation environments imaginable. In order to ensure maximum reliability in non-ionizing radiation environments, the E3 team at SpaceX performs exhaustive analysis, design, and test at the component, board, unit, and subsystem levels with extensive opportunity to interact with a vast array of rocket and spacecraft hardware and electronics. As one of the few teams to interface with the design, manufacturing, integration, and mission operations teams, we play a critical role in the development of our systems as we advance our efforts towards broadband satellite internet and safe, reliable, inexpensive, and innovative access to space. This work all supports our fundamental goal of expanding human space exploration capabilities and establishing a permanent human presence on the moon and Mars. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with a team of technicians and specialists to conduct spacecraft charging, corona and arc discharge testing for the components and systems on our vehicles and spacecraft 


• Define test requirements based on physics, rather than industry standards 


• Create test plans, test procedures, and test reports 


• Ensure the environmental survivability of our systems, vehicles, and spacecraft 


• Verify that designs meet the high voltage and plasma environment requirements that have been set 


• Interface with, teach, and set requirements with various design teams all around the company 


• Design and perform tests to validate the following: effects of space plasma, lightning, surface/bulk/triboelectric charging, circuit grounding architectures, structural bonding, circuit isolation, welding, corona, etc 


• Troubleshoot electrical and pressurized systems issues from board to system level 


• Operate and automate a variety of high voltage and vacuum system test equipment 


• Independently perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise, and complete manner 


• Support engineering management with confidence and think creatively—question the status quo, while following documentation and maintaining prescribed quality standards 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline


• 1+ years of hardware-focused test engineering experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• E3 work experience, including EMI/EMC and RF requirements, analysis, design, and testing


• Programming experience with Python, C++, or C#


• A deep understanding of electromagnetic environmental effects is critical for this position 


• Knowledge of electromagnetic environmental effects including: effects of space plasma, on-orbit charging, triboelectric charging, grounding/bonding/shielding, design for low radiated emissions, HIRF, lightning, electromagnetic field coupling, Maxwell's equations, image charge/current, and lumped element modeling 


• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting circuit behavior on PCBAs and/or test systems  


• Previous work experience with reading, interpreting and following: circuit schematics, PCB layouts, engineering drawings, BOMs, cable harnesses, wiring schematics, interface diagrams, layout drawings, mechanical drawings, and CAD software, pressurized/vacuum systems  


• Strong knowledge in one or more of the following areas: plasma/space physics, power electronics, RF engineering, etc 


• Experience preferred in fast-paced work environment with production/flight hardware 


• Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments 


• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy 


• Experience defining test requirements and test procedures 


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 


• Demonstrated experience with test automation  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted


• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones


• Able to travel for short trips as needed

 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay Range: 
Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Test Engineer /Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year 
Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Test Engineer /Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/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. 

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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 [email protected].