New Graduate Engineer, Mechanical - Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring a New Graduate Engineer, Mechanical, for Starlink’s satellite vehicle engineering organization. The role involves solving structural, thermal, and electromechanical problems across space-grade satellite hardware. Engineers own the full hardware design lifecycle, from ideation and design through testing, manufacturing, high-volume production, and on-orbit operation, working with cross-functional engineering teams. Candidates are considered across several sub-teams and matched based on technical fit, team needs, and candidate preference. These teams include Mechanisms, Space Lasers, Bus Avionics, Structural, Solar Arrays, and Battery Packs. Work may involve electromechanical actuators and satellite mechanisms; opto-mechanical assemblies; avionics modules and satellite integration; satellite structures and propulsion tanks; solar arrays and production machinery; or mechanical, thermal, and electrical design of battery packs. The role focuses on developing and optimizing hardware for the Starlink constellation, iterating on designs and analyses, improving design-for-manufacturing, establishing efficient production lifecycles, validating hardware through testing, and delivering products through assembly and launch. Applicants must be graduating in winter 2026 or spring/summer 2027. Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering/STEM discipline.
Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
At least 1 year of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing; internships, co-ops, and club projects may count.
Graduating in winter 2026 or spring/summer 2027.
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
Hands-on project or mechanical design experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead in a university competitive engineering club.
Proficiency in 3D CAD; NX is preferred.
Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes in 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 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 of the 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 system-level tradeoffs and product direction.
Drive holistic design for manufacturing, reducing piece-part and process counts, error-proofing fabrication and integration, and maintaining consistent performance and production metrics.
Establish an efficient product lifecycle from the supply chain through final integration, balancing cost, complexity, and quality, and work with partner teams to realize 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.
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.
Access to a 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.