Mechanical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

11h•$100,000 - $140,000•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 various space-grade hardware that bring our satellites to life. Our engineers own the full design lifecycle from ideation, design, and test, through to manufacturing and large-scale production. You will regularly partner with a wide variety of different cross-functional engineering disciplines to democratize internet access worldwide. There are several sub-teams within the larger vehicle engineering group, each with a different focus area: Mechanisms Team (electromechanical design for actuators, reaction wheels, torque rods, solar arrays, etc.), Space Lasers Team (opto-mechanical assemblies for Space Lasers and other optical payloads), Bus Avionics Team (mechanical avionics modules, thermal, structural, component selection, harnessing, integration), Structural Team (satellite primary structure design and analysis), Solar Arrays Team (flight array design, test and production machine design, thermal/electrical/material interfaces), and Battery Packs Team (mechanical design, thermal, and electrical analysis for in-house battery packs). Your placement on these teams will be determined throughout the interviewing process based on technical fit, expertise, team need, and your personal 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