Mechanical Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

InvestedintheMission; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental

401(k)

Paid parental leave

3 weeks vacation + 10+ holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Development Test Engineer for satellites (Starlink) in Redmond to design, build and test hardware for next‑gen structures and mechanisms. The role involves developing test stands, supervising integration, and ensuring high-precision execution in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Bachelor’s in engineering and 1+ year of mechanical design/test experience are required; knowledge of hydraulics, high‑pressure systems, sensors, and basic programming is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ year of mechanical design and/or test experience (co-ops/internships can apply)
• Hands-on testing, data acquisition, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with hydraulic, thermal, structural, electromechanical, high pressure, and vacuum systems.

Responsibilities

• Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists.
• Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms.
• Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems.
• Operate test stands with high attention to detail; tests have small margins for error.
• Develop test requirements with flight engineering and drive campaigns to closure.

Skills

Mechanical design

Test engineering

Prototype fabrication

Data acquisition

Programming (Python/JS)

NX/Unigraphics

FEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Unigraphics NX

FEA software

Job description

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 DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

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, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

Starlink Development Test is a fast-paced R&D focused group that aims to reduce hardware development time and increase reliability by testing Starlink’s next‑generation hardware. Our Test Engineers design, fabricate, and implement test equipment as well as conduct development tests for the new structures, components, mechanisms, and more.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists
• Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms
• Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems
• Operate test stands with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error, so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer)
• Develop test requirements with the flight engineering team, develop a design solution that meets or exceeds those requirements, and drive the campaign to closure

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ year of mechanical design and/or test experience (co-ops/internships can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Involvement with an extracurricular project team designing and building mechanical structures and/or high-pressure systems
• Professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures
• Experience with hydraulic, thermal, structural, electromechanical, high pressure, and vacuum systems
• Experience with basic test instrumentation and control components such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves, and encoders
• Experience with Unigraphics (NX)
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)
• Experience with steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis
• Experience with high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) fluid system design and analysis
• Experience working with lithium-ion batteries
• Demonstrated understanding of structural and mechanical first principles analysis
• Demonstrated full‑cycle ownership of a hardware project from concept to implementation
• Hands‑on experience with testing, data acquisition, and troubleshooting issues
• Hands‑on design and fabrication experience
• Basic programming skills (Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS preferred)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 25% to other SpaceX sites
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)
• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed
• Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $165,000.00

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.

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 Aff…? [e-mail].