Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink Ground Antennas)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company at the forefront of satellite technology as a Mechanical Design Engineer. In this role, you'll be responsible for the design and development of high-performance ground antennas for Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation. Your expertise will drive innovative solutions from concept to production, ensuring reliability and performance in diverse environments. Collaborate with a talented team to optimize designs and establish efficient manufacturing processes. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on global connectivity and be part of a mission-driven organization that values creativity and excellence.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Short and long-term disability insurance

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience designing, building, and testing hardware.
• Ability to assess risk and make design decisions with limited data.

Responsibilities

• Own hardware from conceptual design through production and deployment.
• Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware.

Skills

Hardware Design

Mechanical Engineering

CAD Software

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

RF Hardware Testing

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD Software

FEA Software

Job description

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (STARLINK GROUND ANTENNAS)

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 4M+ 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 are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

Starlink Ground Antennas (Gateways) 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 experience designing, building, and testing hardware
• 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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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.