Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical Starlink

Overview

Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical - Space

X Starlink

Location:

Redmond, WA

Space

X is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. As a mechanical engineer within the Starlink electric propulsion team you will own the end-to-end design, analysis, test, build and on-orbit life cycle of propulsion hardware. You will oversee a critical system at the heart of the satellite, collaborating with plasma physics, avionics, and electrical engineers to develop propulsion hardware (thrusters, cathodes, regulators and the fluid feed system).

• Solve complex mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and fluid system problems on space-grade hardware that enables satellites to move in space
• Own hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starlink constellation
• Collaborate with partner domains including thermal, materials, electrical, mechanical, software and GNC groups
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization; rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform system trades and steer product direction
• Drive holistic DFM to create elegant designs with reduced piece part and process count, implement error-proofing at fabrication and integration stages, and maintain consistent performance and production metrics
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle from supply chain through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; partner with teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line
• Perform vacuum chamber tests, performance characterization, and environmental tests to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance with design criteria
• Own product delivery timeline from conception to launch and on-orbit performance
• Conduct root cause investigations to understand failures and disposition hardware non-conformances
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every development and production stage

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• 1+ years of industry experience (internships/co-ops welcome)

• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• Hands-on experience designing, building and testing electric or chemical propulsion systems
• Experience across full product lifecycle in a high-rate production environment (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element modeling or related computational methods
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes)
• Experience with structural and electromagnetic finite element analysis
• 1+ years of GD&T experience
• Experience with Python and MATLAB; familiarity with SQL and Metabase
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations
• Experience with manufacturing processes (CNC, welding, castings, additive) and DFMA fundamentals

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support mission-critical milestones

Pay ranges vary by level and are determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience.

Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000 - $120,000 per year

Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $115,000 - $135,000 per year

Base salary is part of the total rewards package, which may include stock-based awards, discretionary bonuses, and additional benefits such as health coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, parental leave, and other perks. Paid time off includes vacation and holidays;
Washington State sick time is in compliance with state/federal law. Shuttles are offered from select Seattle locations to the Space

X Redmond office.

Note:

Actual level and base salary are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected status. For accommodations or to view our Affirmative Action Plan, contact