Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Payload (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

About The Position

As a mechanical design engineer in the Starlink satellite payload group, you will solve structural, thermal, and electromechanical challenges involving space-grade satellite hardware. You will own hardware across its full lifecycle, from ideation and design through testing, manufacturing, high-volume production, and on-orbit operation. The work includes collaborating across engineering disciplines and contributing to hardware such as phased-array antennas, gimballing parabolic antennas, actuators, and mechanisms.

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.
Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

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; NX preferred.
Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
Experience working with PCB, RF, and/or antenna designers, and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design.
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 and experience selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components.
Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification.
Specific expertise applicable to any of the above 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.
Iterate on designs and analyses to inform system-level trade-offs and product direction.
Apply design for manufacturability to reduce piece-part and process counts, prevent errors during fabrication and integration, and maintain consistent performance and production metrics.
Establish an efficient product lifecycle across the supply chain and final integration, balancing cost, complexity, and quality; work with partner teams to develop an efficient in-house production line.
Perform environmental and performance testing to validate analyses and demonstrate compliance with design criteria.
Own product delivery timelines through conception, design, assembly, and launch.
Take ownership of product outcomes throughout development and production.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount.
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various discounts and perks.
Up to 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State 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.