Electrical Engineer, Battery (Falcon & Dragon) at SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA

Job description

• As an Electrical Battery Engineer on the Falcon & Dragon Avionics Hardware Development team, you will have the unique opportunity to explore all areas of a battery’s life cycle from development through production and launch by engaging in multiple disciplines with a focus on design, reliability, and manufacturing. In addition to designing new assemblies from scratch, you will be expected to analyze and troubleshoot electronic/pack assemblies, define and optimize new processes, design circuits/fixtures/tools, and identify opportunities for improvement in both products and processes. You will have the opportunity to own a wide variety of components that enable SpaceX vehicles to provide the safest and most reliable access to space. Our fundamental goal is to allow humanity to explore the stars; with it comes an extreme responsibility to ensure the safety of the crew and payload.

Responsibilities

• Provide extreme ownership of battery assemblies for flight across all areas of the product life cycle
• Support the development of battery management systems, battery pack designs, layouts, and electrical schematics from initial requirements to in-flight operation
• Define manufacturing requirements, specifications, and validation from productions cells to full scale packs
• Collaborate with partner teams and programs on cell selection, pack configuration, and system integration
• Drive changes to electrical schematics and mechanical drawings that improve reliability and manufacturability
• Design test setups and execute hardware validation through benchtop, environmental testing, and abuse testing campaigns
• Optimize pack level system operation for degradation and reliability
• Derive engineering justification to resolve production issues throughout assembly, test, and vehicle integration

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 1+ years of experience in hardware design (academic projects, internships, and professional experience all qualify)
• 1+ years of experience with electrical test equipment (e.g., multimeters, signal generators, oscilloscopes)
• Strong understanding of BMS design & integration, cell balancing methods and circuitry, lithium-ion battery cell technology and safety features
• Experience with Passive Propagation Testing (PPR) and Battery Abuse Testing
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python, with strong numerical methods experience
• Familiarity with JSC-20793 and SMC-S-16
• Experience with electrical simulation software (LTspice, SIMetrix, or similar)
• Knowledge of common circuit blocks including filters, power supplies, and microcontrollers.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Familiarity managing projects from start to finish
• Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication, and documentation skills
• Creative problem solver capable of working within a multidisciplinary team

Skills

Required

• Hardware design

Preferred

• BMS design & integration
• Cell balancing methods and circuitry
• Passive Propagation Testing (PPR)
• Battery Abuse Testing
• MATLAB or Python
• Numerical methods
• JSC-20793
• SMC-S-16

Benefits

• Level I: $105,000.00 - $140,000.00/per year
• Level II: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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.