Mechanical Development Test Engineer - Satellites; Starlink

Mechanical Development Test Engineer - Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

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.

Space

X is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together.

We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

Starlink Development Test is a fast‑paced R&D focused group that aims to reduce hardware development time and increase reliability by testing Starlink’s next‑generation hardware. Our Test Engineers design, fabricate, and implement test equipment as well as conduct development tests for the new structures, components, mechanisms, and more.

• Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists
• Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms
• Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems
• Operate test stands with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error, so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer)
• Develop test requirements with the flight engineering team, develop a design solution that meets or exceeds those requirements, and drive the campaign to closure

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of industry experience (co‑ops/internships can apply)

• Involvement with an extracurricular project team designing and building mechanical structures and/or high‑pressure systems
• Professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures
• Experience with hydraulic, thermal, structural, electromechanical, high pressure, and vacuum systems
• Experience with basic test instrumentation and control components such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves, and encoders
• Experience with Unigraphics (NX)
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)
• Experience with steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis
• Experience with high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) fluid system design and analysis
• Experience working with lithium‑ion batteries
• Demonstrated understanding of structural and mechanical first principles analysis
• Demonstrated full‑cycle ownership of a hardware project from concept to implementation
• Hands‑on experience with testing, data acquisition, and troubleshooting issues
• Hands‑on design and fabrication experience

• Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 25% to other Space
  
  X sites
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)
• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed
• Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

Pay range:
Development Test Engineer/Level I: $95,000 – $115,000 per year;
Development Test Engineer/Level II: $110,000 – $130,000 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,…