Mechanical Engineer; Direct To Cell

Space

X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (DIRECT TO CELL)

Space

X is designing a revolutionary new satellite to deliver seamless cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. This satellite will feature Space

X’s largest-ever phased array antenna – designed to launch on Starship and for high-rate production to enable rapid rollout of global coverage. As a Mechanical Engineer on the Direct to Cell team, you’ll be required to tackle a wide range of novel engineering challenges at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and antenna design constraints. In this role, you will be given a large amount ownership scope and an unparalleled opportunity to influence the future of the Direct to Cell program alongside a small team of passionate, top-tier engineers.

Your work will span the full hardware lifecycle, from defining design requirements and system architecture to detailed design, analysis, qualification testing, production process development, and on-orbit support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, prototype, test, and qualify mechanical assemblies in iterative cycles to mature the Direct to Cell system.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative payload electromechanical interfaces, spanning scales from the full satellite and antenna array to intricate PCB-level details.
• Partner with internal and external manufacturing teams to scale new projects and technologies into high-volume, cost-effective production.
• Conduct mechanical analysis at an appropriate level of fidelity (from hand calculations to finite element analysis) to support design trades, optimizations, and decision-making for novel mechanical systems.
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of the execution and outcomes of design, development, testing, and launch milestones across the hardware lifecycle.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience using computer aided drafting (CAD) software (e.g. NX, CATIA, or ProE) (internship/project experience is applicable).
• 1+ years of experience with finite element analysis (FEA) (internship/project experience is applicable).

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• 1+ years of engineering experience working in complex, multi-disciplinary design and build projects (internship experience is applicable).
• 2+ years of engineering experience (internships, student projects & teams, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience qualify).
• Strong experience using CAD for both modeling and GD&T compliant manufacturing drawings.
• Project and/or research-based experience conducting detailed thermal or mechanical analysis with FEA software (e.g. ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, etc.).
• Experience in mechatronics or other cross disciplinary combination of mechanical, electrical, and software skill sets.
• Prior programming experience (Python, Matlab, C/C++, Excel, etc.).
• Basic understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals.
• Interest in working at a nimble engineering organization that requires a scrappy, entrepreneurial approach to accomplish tasks within time & budget constraints.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with an enthusiasm for problem-solving.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $/per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $ - $/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase…