Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical - (Starlink)

Future Ventures; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock-based awards

Health coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Seattle shuttle services

Job summary

A leading aerospace company located in Redmond, WA is seeking an Electric Propulsion Engineer for their Starlink project. The role involves owning the design and performance lifecycle of propulsion hardware, collaborating with various engineering teams, and conducting rigorous testing. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering with hands-on experience in mechanical design and analysis. The compensation starts from $100,000, reflecting the company's commitment to rewarding expertise and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 1+ years of industry experience, internships accepted.
• Experience with mechanical and fluid system design.

Responsibilities

• Solve complex mechanical issues related to space-grade hardware.
• Own hardware design from conception to launch.
• Conduct tests to validate hardware performance and compliance.

Skills

Mechanical design

Fluid dynamics

Experience with CAD and FEA

Python programming

MATLAB knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CAD software packages

FEA software packages

Job description

Overview

Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical - SpaceX Starlink

Location: Redmond, WA

SpaceX 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).

Responsibilities

• 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

Basic Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Additional Requirements

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

Compensation and Benefits

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 SpaceX Redmond office.

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

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

SpaceX 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 [e-mail].