Mechanical Engineer; Starlink

Mechanical Engineer (Starlink) Own the design and production of hardware for the Starlink satellite constellation.

Location:

Redmond, Washington, United States

Compensation: $95, USD / year

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 (STARLINK)

At Space

X we’re leveraging our 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 3M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer antennae 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 and are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Starlink Mechanical Engineer, you will own complex hardware from cradle to grave and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases, ushering in the next era of internet and delivering internet to those that need it most. There are several sub‑teams within the larger Starlink mechanical engineering group in our Redmond facility, each with different focus areas.

All applicants will be considered broadly for all teams and then matched to a specific team after factoring in best technical fit and candidate preference.

• 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 analysis to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction
• Drive holistic DFM to create elegant designs with a focus on piece part and process count reductions, error proofing at every step of fabrication and integration, and consistent performance and production metrics
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line
• Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and launch
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• 1+ years of professional experience (including internships) with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands‑on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX 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-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

• Knowledge of and experience in 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 any of the above sub‑teams