Mechanical Engineer, Satellite Bus; Starlink

Overview

SpaceX is building technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Mechanical Engineer, Satellite Bus (Starlink) participates in the design, build, test, and operation of Starlink hardware, including satellite hardware, user antennas, and integrated software. The Starlink constellation is expanding with higher bandwidth and broader consumer reach. Engineers work across multiple sub-teams within the Vehicle Engineering organization to solve structural, thermal, and electromechanical challenges from ideation through manufacturing and production.

Applicants will be considered for multiple teams and matched after evaluating technical fit, team need, and candidate preference.

• Mechanisms Team
  : end-to-end electromechanical design for actuators, reaction wheels, torque rods, solar arrays, and related subsystems.
• Space Lasers Team
  : design opto-mechanical assemblies for Space Lasers and other optical payloads in collaboration with the optical team.
• Bus Avionics Team
  : design mechanical aspects of avionics modules, including thermal, structural, component selection, harnessing, integration to satellites, etc.
• Structural Team
  : design and analysis of the satellite primary structure (chassis, ribs, rails, propulsion tank).
• Solar Arrays Team
  : design work from flight arrays to production machine design; interfaces with thermal, electrical, and materials groups.
• Battery Packs Team
  : mechanical design, thermal, and electrical analysis on in-house battery packs with thousands of cells, emphasizing mass efficiency and safety.

Note:

placement on teams will be determined during the interviewing process based on technical fit, team need, 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 designs and analyses to inform system trades and direction.
• Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) to reduce parts and processes, implement error-proofing, and maintain production metrics.
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle from supply chain through final integration, balancing cost, complexity, and quality; collaborate with partner teams to design and realize an in-house production line.
• Perform environmental and performance testing to validate analyses and demonstrate design compliance.
• Own product delivery timeline from conception to launch.
• Demonstrate ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production.

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software.
• 1+ years of professional experience (including internships) in 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.
• Experience with structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
• 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.

Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink mechanical engineering and may include additional capabilities.

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

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $ - $ 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 job-related knowledge, education, and experience.

Base salary is part of SpaceX’s total rewards package, which may include stock, bonuses, and additional benefits such as medical, vision, and dental coverage; a 401(k) plan; disability and life insurance; parental leave; paid vacation and holidays; sick time where applicable; and shuttle transportation to select Seattle locations.

• Applicants must meet U.S. export regulations: citizen/national or eligible to obtain required authorizations (green card holder, refugee, or asylee status, or other eligible status).

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are evaluated on merit and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected status.