Loads and Dynamics Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

4d•$100,000 - $165,000

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring a Loads and Dynamics Engineer for its Starlink satellite program. The role addresses low- and high-frequency loads, vibration, and forcing functions affecting satellites during ground transportation, launch ascent, and on-orbit operation. It also includes database design and software programming for tool development, as well as planning, setting up, executing, and processing data from tests. The engineer is expected to have strong frequency-domain intuition along with solid software and analytical skills. The position involves resolving dynamics problems through analysis and testing, conducting dynamic tests from pre-test analysis through model correlation, building finite element models, and performing analyses with commercial and in-house codes. Engineers may also develop new code and conduct other product-improvement analyses, including satellite brightness, stress, and fatigue analyses. The role may require long hours and weekend work to support critical milestones. Compensation is listed at $100,000–$135,000 for Level 1 and $115,000–$165,000 for Level 2. Actual level and base salary depend on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Eligible employees may receive company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and access to an employee stock purchase plan. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage; a 401(k) plan; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; discounts and other perks; up to three weeks of accrued paid vacation; and at least 10 paid holidays per year. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in accordance with applicable law. Shuttles are offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office, Monday through Friday. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodation for the application and interview process.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or an engineering discipline.
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of professional experience with dynamics.
Hands-on experience analyzing data or building hardware.
Experience with vibration and shock testing.
Experience with NASTRAN.
Finite element modeling experience, including use of FEMAP.
Working knowledge of structural analysis and testing, including fundamental understanding of strength, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and testing.
Execute dynamic testing from start to finish, including pre-test analysis, sensor selection and installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing, and model correlation.
Build finite element models.
Perform analyses using commercial and in-house codes and write new code.
Perform other product-improvement analyses, including satellite brightness, stress, and fatigue analyses.
Support critical milestones by working long hours and weekends as necessary.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various discounts and perks.
Accrual of up to 3 weeks of paid vacation.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
Company shuttles from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office, Monday through Friday.