Manufacturing Engineer (Starlink Optical)

SpaceX • Bastrop, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for the Starlink Optical team. This role is focused on designing, building, and scaling the physical systems required for the production of Starlink's advanced broadband internet system. The factory integrates precision electro-mechanical assemblies, automation systems, and production data infrastructure. This is an early-career, hands-on engineering role where you will collaborate with senior engineers to design and implement production cells, develop assembly workflows, and support product-to-manufacturing integration. While prior factory experience is not required, strong first-principles engineering skills and comfort designing and debugging real hardware systems are essential.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages

Nice To Haves

• Internship, co-op, or early-career experience in hardware, robotics, automation, or manufacturing environments
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly or test applications
• Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) for process data analysis or automation
• Experience working with precision assemblies, robotic systems, or automated pick-and-place equipment
• Familiarity with manufacturing process development methodologies (e.g., PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC)
• Exposure to GD&T and tolerance analysis as applied to fixture and tooling design
• Experience with or interest in production data systems, MES, or manufacturing traceability infrastructure
• Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing practices

Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of automated production cells, fixtures, and tooling for precision optical and electro-mechanical assembly
• Create and modify CAD models for tooling, fixtures, mechanical interfaces, and production equipment
• Assist with product-to-manufacturing handoff during new product introduction (NPI), including process development, build planning, and first-article execution
• Develop, document, and maintain assembly processes, work instructions, and validation procedures to support repeatable high-volume production
• Build, test, and debug production equipment and prototype hardware on the factory floor
• Analyze yield, process, and metrology data to support root-cause investigations and drive continuous improvement
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, optical, and automation engineering teams to identify manufacturability improvements and feed lessons learned back into product design
• Support the development and qualification of production test and inspection methods, including in-line metrology and end-of-line validation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level