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. ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER II (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. SpaceX is looking to hire an Electric Propulsion Engineering to work with a brilliant and passionate of engineers. You will have the opportunity to work on the development (design, analysis, build, and test) of the most reliable and manufacturable satellite thrusters in the world. 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/leadtime/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 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in an aerospace, physics, mechanical or other engineering discipline 2+ 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 PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree in an aerospace, mechanical 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 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 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing 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 Must be able to travel - up to 10-15% work week travel may be required COMPENSATI