Thermal Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a thermal engineer, you are responsible for the thermal design, test, and validation of Starlink satellite hardware and custom developed chips. You will make engineering decisions to improve the vehicle and increase the performance of the Starlink network.

• →Thermal design of satellite components, from initial high-level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests and orbital data
• →Thermal design of semiconductor packages, from high level concepts to detail thermal simulations and lab testing
• →Devise, build and run tests to validate the performance of the hardware in extreme conditions
• →Automate workflow to reduce engineering investment in the design cycle
• →Pursue performance/robustness improvements
• →Pursue operational simplicity and seek to reduce burden on other groups at SpaceX
• →Produce quality documentation of your work to reduce miss-rate and improve efficiency
• →Review peer work

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1y+ industry experience (internships/co-ops can apply)

• Experience with tools for chip thermal design like Flotherm or Icepak
• 1+ years of experience using scientific programming languages (including internships)
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and ANSYS Workbench
• Experience with 3D and reduced order thermal modeling
• Ability to identify sizing cases and quickly evaluate the impact of design decisions
• Working knowledge of scripting languages
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines 

• 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.