Mechanical Engineer, Satellite Harnessing (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Redmond, WA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in satellite harnessing for Starlink. This role involves developing electro-mechanical designs, generating schematics, and ensuring design integrity through analysis and testing.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, experience with CAD and FEA software, and strong teamwork skills. The position offers a competitive pay range and comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD and FEA software packages.
• Experience with wire harness 3D design and wiring diagrams.
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop the electro-mechanical design of wire harnesses.
• Generate electrical schematics for designs.
• Perform analysis and testing of harnessing.

Skills

Experience with CAD

Attention to detail

Teamwork skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Satellite Harnessing (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

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

As an Avionics Design Engineer on the Starlink team, you will own harness design from concept and component selection, through to production, qualification, and system integration. This exciting multidisciplinary role will give you unparalleled exposure to the overall high-level product/vehicle you work on.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the electro‑mechanical design of wire harnesses within our family of Starlink vehicles
• Develop harness design solutions within a 3D NX CAD environment, and manage technical trade studies to meet stakeholder objectives as well as adhere to internal design standards and requirements
• Generate electrical schematics to support both flight and qualification designs
• Own vehicle‑level harnessing mechanical assemblies and drive to closure all systems integration trades related to those assemblies
• Perform analysis and physical testing (both mechanical and electrical) of harnessing with respect to thermal, loads, vibration and shock to ensure full qualification for flight
• Document and communicate the design, analysis and testing results thoroughly and clearly via design reviews
• Create and release on schedule, appropriate harnessing manufacturing documentation and drawings
• Interface with harness production and integration teams to ensure final harness designs can be produced and installed on schedule in accordance with overall project goals
• Perform R&D investigations and trade studies to push wire harness design to new boundaries in terms of mass and cost savings

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proficiency with Siemens NX and Teamcenter
• Experience with wire harness 3D design, wire harness installation drawings and formboard creation, wiring diagrams, 3D modeling of complex top‑level assemblies, 3D modeling and analysis of avionics enclosures and secondary structure
• 1+ years of hands‑on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead (including internships)
• Strong teamwork skills with a proven ability to effectively interact and collaborate with other engineering disciplines and excellent attention to detail
• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
• Willing to travel up to 30% of the time

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
• Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

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.

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].