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Spacex Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. ASIC Design Engineer (Starshield)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... As an ASIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development ...

SpaceX

Sr. ASIC Design Engineer (Starshield)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$170K - $235K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... As an ASIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development ...

SpaceX

Sr. ASIC Design Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... As an ASIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development ...

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$128.3K

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How much do spacex design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacex design in the United States is $128,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by designers working at SpaceX, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Designers at SpaceX frequently encounter challenges such as working within highly accelerated timelines, adapting to evolving project requirements, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. The environment is fast-paced and innovation-driven, requiring individuals to balance creativity with stringent engineering and safety constraints. Applicants can prepare by developing strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with aerospace standards, and experience in rapid prototyping or iterative design processes. Being adaptable and proactive in communication is also essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is SpaceX Design?

SpaceX Design refers to the team and processes responsible for designing the visual and functional aspects of SpaceX's rockets, spacecraft, spacesuits, and related systems. This includes industrial design, user interface design, and the creation of ergonomic environments for astronauts and engineers. The goal of the SpaceX Design team is to ensure that all products are not only highly functional and safe but also intuitive and visually appealing. They work closely with engineers and technicians to bring innovative ideas from concept to reality.

Is it hard to get hired in SpaceX?

Getting hired as a SpaceX designer can be competitive due to the company's high standards and innovative projects. Candidates typically need relevant engineering or design experience, strong technical skills, and a background in aerospace or related fields. The hiring process often involves multiple interviews and assessments to evaluate technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SpaceX Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SpaceX Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, proficiency in CAD design, and a strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise in technical tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, and simulation software, as well as familiarity with GD&T and rapid prototyping, is commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills are vital for innovating and working effectively within cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities ensure the delivery of cutting-edge, reliable aerospace designs that meet rigorous technical and safety standards.

What is the difference between Spacex Design vs Aerospace Designer?

AspectSpacex DesignAerospace Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or Design, relevant experienceBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering or Design
Work EnvironmentSpace industry, engineering teams, collaborative projectsAerospace industry, research labs, design teams
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily SpaceX, aerospace companies, defense contractorsAirlines, aerospace firms, government agencies

Spacex Design professionals focus on spacecraft and launch vehicle design within the space industry, often working directly for SpaceX. Aerospace Designers have a broader scope, working on aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems across various companies and agencies. While both roles require engineering or design credentials and involve collaborative work environments, Spacex Design is specialized in space launch systems, whereas Aerospace Designers may work on a wider range of aerospace projects.

How much do SpaceX PCB designers make?

SpaceX PCB designers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They often work with CAD tools and require knowledge of electronics and manufacturing standards.

What's the highest paying job at SpaceX?

The highest paying job at SpaceX is typically executive-level roles such as Chief Engineer or Vice President, which can offer compensation exceeding several hundred thousand dollars annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions require extensive experience in aerospace engineering, management, and advanced technical skills. Compensation varies based on experience, responsibilities, and performance.

Who is the lead designer of SpaceX?

The lead designer of SpaceX is Elon Musk, who also serves as the company's CEO and founder. The role of lead designer involves overseeing spacecraft and rocket design, often requiring expertise in aerospace engineering and engineering management.
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Principal ASIC Design Engineer (Starshield)

Principal ASIC Design Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$210K - $295K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

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.
PRINCIPAL ASIC DESIGN ENGINEER (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. As an ASIC Design Engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of U.S. National Security. In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation FPGAs and ASICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design digital ASICs and/or FPGAs for Starshield projects.
  • Evaluate architectural trade-offs based on features, performance requirements and system limitations. Derive specifications for the subsystems and circuits, and work with modem/DSP and RFIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains.
  • Define micro-architecture, implement the RTL in Verilog/System Verilog, integrate that in top level and deliver the fully verified, synthesis/timing clean design.
  • Work closely with verification team to ensure all aspects of the design are covered and verified.
  • Provide timing constraints for those IPs and support the physical implementation team (synthesis, timing closure, formality check).
  • Participate in silicon bring-up and validation. Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.
  • 10+ years of experience in RTL implementation and/or FPGA/ASIC development.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience solving problems including clock domain crossings and power optimization.
  • Experience developing complex ASICs.
  • Experience with multicore CPU subsystem design.
  • Experience with standard bus protocols (e.g. AXI, AHB, etc.).
  • Experience with embedded processors.
  • Experience with high speed and low power design techniques.
  • Scripting skills (Python, TCL etc.).
  • Experience with EDA tools such as HDL simulators (e.g. VCS, Questa, IES), HDL Lint tools (e.g. Spyglass) and FPGA tools (e.g. Xilinx Vivado, Altera Quartus II).
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Team-player, can-do attitude and ability to work well in a group environment while still contributing on an individual basis.
  • Enjoy being challenged and learning new skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
  • Willingness to travel for off-site testing.
  • An active TS-SCI 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.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Principal ASIC Design Engineer: $210,000.00 - $295,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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.
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.

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