What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Power Systems Engineer (Starship) position at SpaceX?
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. POWER SYSTEMS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
Join the High Power Engineering team at SpaceX to pioneer the design, build, operation, and maintenance of advanced power generation, transmission, and distribution systems for Starship's launch, production, propellant generation, and the city of Starbase, TX. As a power systems engineer, you'll work with a team to scale high-capacity electrical infrastructure for the world's most powerful rocket, ensuring seamless energy flow for groundbreaking missions. The position is based at Starbase, TX, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, build, operate, and maintain the various microgrids that comprise Starbase, TX.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams; lead projects; and drive rapid, continuous improvements at Starbase launch sites.
- Be responsible for infrastructure upgrades to dynamically scale systems for Starship's production rate targets.
- Create and maintain sitewide power budgets, monitoring, and metering for mission-critical assets to optimize visibility and efficiency.
- Develop and execute asset strategies for high-power launch and grid infrastructure.
- Develop standardized designs for launch, propellant generation, and power delivery facilities.
- Performs detailed design on all aspects of electrical power systems: one-lines, three-lines, control/relaying schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA, conduit/cable sizing/routing, grounding design, general arrangement, etc.
- Develops and implements protective relay settings and schemes for high voltage equipment.
- Maintain organized design and asset documentation for all Starbase launch and power facilities.
- Ensure compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
- 5 years of experience in power systems design, analysis, and build, with a focus on high-power, high-voltage systems.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:
- 8 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.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Employee Discounts