SpaceX 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 SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with
the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER, SATELLITE PAYLOAD (STARLINK)
Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing
broadband-quality internet anywhere on earth. We’re leveraging our SpaceX
knowledge in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy thousands of satellites
each year; today’s constellation serves tens of millions of customers in more
than 120 countries. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system
– the satellite hardware, the user antennas that connect within minutes of
unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. The Starlink
constellation will continue to grow with increasingly powerful hardware, higher
bandwidth, and a wider consumer base. We’re looking for world-class engineers to
help this mission.
As a mechanical design engineer within the satellite payload group you will get
to solve complex structural, thermal, and electromechanical problems on the
various space grade hardware that make our satellites come to life. Our
engineers get to own the full design lifecycle all the way from ideation,
design, and test, through to manufacturing and largescale production. You will
regularly partner with a wide variety of different cross functional engineering
disciplines, and together you will usher in the next generation of highspeed
internet. On this team you will be exposed to a range of different engineering
challenges such as working on our state-of-the-art phased array antennas,
gimballing parabolic antennas, actuators, and mechanisms, etc. If you are
passionate about top tier mechanical challenges and have an interest in the
world of material science, electromagnetics, and microelectronics, come help us
expand the Starlink network and democratize internet access all over the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production (typical
timeline of less than one year for full product life cycle) 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
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
* 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
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
* 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 working with PCB, RF, and/or Antenna designers and exposure to PCB
layout and PCBA mechanical design
* 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 language
* Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and
process qualification
* Specific expertise applicable to any of the above sub-teams
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support mission
critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00
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 at SpaceX. You may
also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock 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 Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision,
and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term
disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other
discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be
eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State
accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles
are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to
the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
* To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i)
U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green
card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8
U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the
U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here
[https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987].
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on
the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in
any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran
status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital
status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for
veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable
accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out
to EEOCompliance@spacex.com [EEOCompliance@spacex.com].