Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX • Redmond, WA

11h • $135,000 - $220,000

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer for Starlink’s satellite vehicle engineering organization. The role focuses on solving structural, thermal, and electromechanical design problems across space-grade satellite hardware. Engineers own the full product lifecycle, from ideation and design through testing, manufacturing, high-volume production, and on-orbit operation, while collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams.

Candidates may be considered for teams focused on mechanisms; opto-mechanical assemblies for space lasers and other optical payloads; bus avionics; satellite structures; solar arrays and production machinery; or battery packs. Team placement is determined during the interview process based on technical fit, expertise, team needs, and candidate preference.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, experience with CAD and FEA software, and at least five years of professional experience in mechanical or electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing. The role may require long hours and weekends to support mission-critical milestones. Applicants must meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

The listed Level 3 pay range is $135,000–$220,000. Actual level and base salary are determined case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The compensation package may also include long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and an employee stock purchase plan. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage; a 401(k); disability and life insurance; paid parental leave; vacation; paid holidays; and other discounts and perks. Paid sick time is provided to Washington State employees in compliance with applicable law. Shuttles are offered from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday through Friday.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• At least 5 years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support mission-critical milestones.
• Meet U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain required 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 is 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 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 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 high-level system trades 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 supply chain through final integration, balancing cost, complexity, and quality; work with partner teams to design and 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 throughout development and production.

Benefits

• Potential long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
• Potential discretionary bonuses.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount.
• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• 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.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday through Friday.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior