Mechanical Engineer, Aviation Integration (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Woodinville (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in the United States is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Aviation Integration (Starlink) to own flight hardware from concept through production and in‑flight operation for aircraft installations.

You will lead design reviews, perform hand calculations, FEA, and CAD analyses, and coordinate with FAA designees to certify components while driving cost, quality, and schedule. This fast-paced role requires collaboration with electrical teams and 25% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software.
• Experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, and test.

Responsibilities

• Develop integration design packages from survey through qualification.
• Own Starlink Aviation hardware from design through production and aircraft installation.
• Perform design analyses including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD.
• Lead design reviews and coordinate with FAA designees to certify components.
• Generate production drawings using GD&T and perform tolerance analysis.
• Manage product delivery from conception to launch.
• Balance cost, complexity, and quality in in-house production lines.
• Conduct environmental and performance testing to validate criteria.

Skills

CAD software

FEA

3D CAD

GD&T

Mechanical design

PCB layout

Programming

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Eng

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

NX

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Aviation Integration (Starlink)

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 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer antennae 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 and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Starlink Mechanical Engineer on the Aviation team, you will own flight hardware from cradle to grave and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases, ushering in the next era of airborne connectivity! In this role you will own design, qualification, test design, production success, integration design, and in-flight success of flight hardware. This role requires design, build & analysis skills, and the drive to get your work over the finish line as well as close coordination with electrical teams to realize high reliability hardware. Come join the team putting bringing the most incredible in-flight internet the world has ever seen!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and drive Starlink integration design packages from site survey through design, substantiation, and qualification
• Own Starlink Aviation hardware from conceptual design through production and operation for aircraft installations
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
• Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment
• Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction
• Lead design reviews and work with FAA designees to certify components and systems
• Generate detailed production and integration drawings using GD&T and performing a tolerance stack-up analysis
• 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 in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other STEM discipline
• Experience with CAD (computer aided design) and FEA (finite element analysis) software
• Experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, and test

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
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• 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 languages
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• 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 critical milestones
• 25% travel (domestic and international)

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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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 [e-mail] .