Mechanical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
About The Position
The Mechanical Engineer will join the Starlink satellite vehicle engineering organization and solve structural, thermal, and electromechanical problems involving space-grade satellite hardware. The role owns hardware across the full design lifecycle, from ideation, design, and testing through manufacturing, high-volume production, and on-orbit operation. Engineers collaborate with cross-functional disciplines, and candidates are considered for several sub-teams based on technical fit, team needs, and candidate preference. Potential team assignments include mechanisms; opto-mechanical assemblies for space lasers and optical payloads; bus avionics and related thermal, structural, harnessing, and integration work; satellite primary structures; solar arrays and production machinery; and mechanical, thermal, and electrical design and analysis of battery packs.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
- Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
- At least 1 year of professional experience, including internships, in mechanical or electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.
- Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support mission-critical milestones.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
- At least 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
- At least 2 years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD, with 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-motivation and strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of and experience 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 one or more Starlink mechanical engineering sub-teams.
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 analyses to inform high-level systems trades and product direction.
- Drive holistic design for manufacturing, including reducing piece-part and process counts, error-proofing fabrication and integration, and maintaining consistent performance and production metrics.
- Establish an efficient product lifecycle from supply chain through final integration, balancing cost, complexity, and quality, and work with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line.
- Perform environmental and performance testing to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance with design criteria.
- Own product delivery timelines through conception, design, assembly, and launch.
- Demonstrate ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production.
Benefits
- Potential eligibility for 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.
- Comprehensive medical coverage.
- Vision coverage.
- Dental coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Paid parental leave.
- Various other discounts and perks.
- May accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
- Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
- Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
- Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
