Mechanical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a mechanical design engineer within the satellite vehicle engineering organization, you will solve complex structural, thermal, and electromechanical problems on space-grade hardware for the Starlink satellites. You will own the full design lifecycle from ideation, design, and test, through to manufacturing and large-scale production. You will collaborate with various cross-functional engineering disciplines to democratize internet access globally. Applicants will be considered broadly for several sub-teams including Mechanisms, Space Lasers, Bus Avionics, Structural, Solar Arrays, and Battery Packs, with placement determined by technical fit, team need, and candidate preference.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
1+ years of professional experience (including internships) with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead.
Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred).
Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp.
Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components.
Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design.
Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification.
Specific expertise applicable to any of the sub-teams (Mechanisms, Space Lasers, Bus Avionics, Structural, Solar Arrays, Battery Packs).

Responsibilities

Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starlink constellation.
Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization.
Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high-level systems trades and steer overall product direction.
Drive holistic DFM to create elegant designs with a focus on piece part and process count reductions, error proofing at every step of fabrication and integration, and consistent performance and production metrics.
Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line.
Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria.
Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and launch.
Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production.

Benefits

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