Mechanical Design Engineer, Gateways (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for its Starlink Gateway project. The ideal candidate will design, analyze, and oversee the production of high-precision ground station antennas. Responsibilities include driving system-level optimizations and collaborating across teams. A Bachelor's degree in engineering and proficiency in CAD and FEA is required. Join a team committed to advancing internet connectivity globally with innovative engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.
• Experience with CAD and/or finite element analysis (FEA) software packages.

Responsibilities

• Own hardware from conceptual design through production and deployment.
• Rapidly iterate on designs and testing.
• Develop design criteria and optimize systems.
• Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware.
• Demonstrate ownership of product outcomes.
• Collaborate with partner teams on manufacturing procedures.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD software

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

RF hardware design

Testing and validation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer, Gateways (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

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.

At SpaceX 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 millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, ground station gateways, and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact, and we are looking for best‑class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

Starlink Gateways are advanced ground stations antennas that are responsible for delivering internet from the ground to satellites – they must be high‑precision, low‑cost, high‑performance in all weather conditions (from the Arctic Circle to the desert), and ultra‑reliable over long periods of time. As a mechanical engineer on gateways, you will holistically own complex hardware and system design for these ground stations. The mechanical team is responsible for the design of everything from cutting‑edge composites and manufacturing technology, state‑of‑the‑art RF vacuum electronics, to high‑precision pointing and actuation systems. The role encompasses design, analysis, and hands‑on manufacturing disciplines, with the ability to spearhead change at the inception of product development, through production, deployment, and operations. Come join this high‑performing team in designing and building out the world’s largest network of ground stations!

Responsibilities

• Own hardware from conceptual design through high‑volume production and ground station deployment and operation
• Rapidly iterate on designs, analysis, and test to inform high‑level system trades and steer overall product direction
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system‑level optimization
• 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
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production
• Work with partner teams to develop novel manufacturing procedures

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)
• Experience with CAD and/or finite element analysis (FEA) software packages

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience designing and testing RF or antenna hardware
• Experience with fast‑paced hardware development for high‑reliability applications
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• Knowledge and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components
• Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Able to communicate complex concepts, problems, and solutions clearly and effectively to all levels within the organization

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• 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.

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 [e-mail].