Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Solar Array, (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Company stock options

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Redmond is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and implement photovoltaic power systems for Starlink satellites. This role involves designing solar array components, performing analysis, and collaborating with various engineering disciplines to ensure optimal design and production outcomes. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and has at least 1 year of mechanical design experience. Competitive compensation and excellent benefits package are provided.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.
• Experience with solar array design and/or the solar manufacturing industry is preferred.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Design solar array components from photovoltaic cells to assemblies.
• Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews.
• Work with partner teams to achieve optimal vehicle outcomes.

Skills

Mechanical/electromechanical design

Performance characterization of photovoltaic cells

Analyzing mechanical assemblies

3D CAD proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

NX

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Solar Array, (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.

SpaceX is looking for a highly motivated engineer to join the Solar Product Team. In this position, you will design and implement the next generation of photovoltaic power systems for new Starlink satellite versions. This role is ultimately responsible for the design, qualification, production rate capability, and reliability of Starlink power generation assemblies used across multiple satellite payloads and vehicle architectures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and analysis of solar array components ranging from photovoltaic cells to integrated electro‑mechanical solar array assemblies.
• Own and design various satellite mechanical systems and/or associated tooling specifically for the solar array sub‑assembly.
• Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews. Demonstrate extreme ownership of the production outcome of the Starlink solar factory across yield, uptime, and cost.
• Work across disciplines with partner teams such as GNC, Avionics, Operations, and Payloads to achieve the best vehicle outcomes.
• Provide analytical rationale for design capability through hand calcs, and FEA where applicable.
• Complete engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications to define purchasing, manufacturing, and operational requirements.
• Write, design and execute test procedures and verification plans in both electrical and mechanical design spaces in conjunction with your team’s test specialists.
• Design and conduct process qualifications using design of experiments and statistical process control.
• Work seamlessly with supply chain and production partners to complete design for manufacturing (DFM) changes necessary to meet factory rates and costs.
• Complete review of on orbit performance data and respond with manufacturing and design solutions.
• Work closely with the Materials Engineering team to develop novel solutions to space‑based solar problems.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional experience (internships/co‑ops experience accepted) with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with solar array design and/or solar manufacturing industry.
• Experience with performance characterization of photovoltaic solar cells.
• Experience in specifying and qualifying materials and components for space flight.
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control and process qualification.
• Proficient in analyzing mechanical assemblies using hand calculations and FEA.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred).
• Proficient in dynamic and thermal analysis.
• Proficient in GD&T.
• Familiar with a wide variety of manufacturing processes and automation for composites, soft goods, adhesives and metals: welding, brazing, fastening, riveting, bonding, lamination, soldering etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• This is a hands‑on position that requires one to be on their feet for up to 4+ hours a day. Will sometimes be working directly with the hardware on the floor and will have to be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
• Preferential ability to travel internationally if needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

EXPORT CONTROL 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 ITAR.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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].