Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or 5+ years of PCB layout experience; 8+ years without a degree
8+ years in PCB layout and routing with modern electronics components
3+ years managing ECAD libraries
Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout software (Xpedition, Allegro, Altium, KiCad)
Proficiency in generating fabrication outputs and DFM/DFA analysis
Responsibilities
Determine layer stackup and perform component package selection for PCBs
Conduct multilayer PCB layout including high-speed digital, analog, RF, and power routing
Perform DRC/ERC checks and collaborate with engineers to capture design requirements
Manage high-speed design constraints for signal integrity and compliance
Create documentation for PCB fabrication and assembly
Analyze designs for manufacturability and incorporate production feedback
Collaborate with manufacturing teams and PCB vendors to improve design rules
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in satellite communications
Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams
Potential for professional growth and skill development
Access to advanced PCB design tools and resources
Contribute to a mission-driven company with global impact
Full Job Description
SR. PCB DESIGNER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging its 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. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.
As a PCB Designer at SpaceX, you'll be responsible for creating the layout for all our in-house board designs. You're not just connecting the dots. Here you'll partner closely with Hardware Development Engineers as they develop their schematics, providing your expertise and recommendations at each design review, and iterating your designs to come up with the best possible solutions. You'll contribute to a variety of design mixes from radio phased arrays to solar power converters and more.
Perform multilayer PCB layout (2-20+ layers), including component placement, high-speed digital, analog, RF, and power routing
Perform DRC/ERC checks, peer reviews, and design audits; collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to capture design requirements
Manage high-speed design constraints to ensure signal / power integrity, thermal performance, impedance control and EMI/EMC compliance
Create all documentation required for fabrication and assembly of PCB/PCBAs
Analyze designs for manufacturability; incorporate production feedback from fabrication houses and assembly partners to reduce costs and improve yield
Collaborate with internal manufacturing teams and PCB vendors to continually improve design rules, constraints and design for test and manufacturing guidelines
Utilize PCB design tools, maintain and evaluate new tools, and train team members to use tools
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and 5+ years of professional experience with PCB layout OR 8+ years of professional experience with PCB layout in lieu of a degree
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
8+ years of experience with PCB layout and routing in one or all of the following areas: modern passive and active electronics components, surface-mount, RF components, ball-grid array and similar fine pitch, or high pin density components
3+ years of experience with ECAD libraries and library configuration management
Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout software (Xpedition, Allegro, Altium, KiCad)
Experience with layout of mixed analog and digital designs, high speed buses, FPGA, DRAM and CPU designs, power supplies, DC-DC converters, transmission lines, impedance-controlled traces and power traces
Demonstrated understanding of design for manufacturability, assembly, and test
Proficiency in generating fabrication outputs (Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, drill files), DFM/DFA analysis, constraint-driven design, and collaboration with libraries (symbols, footprints, 3D models)
Experience with MIL-STD, commercial and IPC standards and design
Proficiency in writing code and/or leveraging AI tools to automate CAD workflow. (Python, Altium/Xpedition scripting, Allegro SKILL)
Demonstrated cross functional project management skills and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines
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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
About SpaceX
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
