Mechanical Engineer (Starlink Components)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Redmond, WA is hiring a Mechanical Engineer for Starlink Components. This role involves designing and implementing machines for testing satellite components, ensuring they meet vehicle requirements through specialized machinery.

The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with engineers across disciplines, tackle challenging problems, and contribute to innovative testing processes. Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and experience with CAD tools are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• Ability to design and develop custom equipment for testing.
• Experience with electrical and mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Own design, development, and build of custom test equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams for integrated test systems.
• Solve complex problems to meet testing requirements.

Skills

Mechanical design

Thermal system design

Fluid system design

Cross-discipline collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA, ProE)

FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS

Job description

Mechanical Engineer (Starlink Components)

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.

Within the Starlink Components Test Team, mechanical engineers design, build, and implement test systems to support the development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware for the most cutting‑edge, high‑volume communication satellites in the world. The team is looking for an engineer who is mechanically focused on designing and implementing machines for testing satellite components. The satellite is composed of electrical, mechanical, RF, optical, and propulsion systems. In this role, you will be part of the team that validates that each component is designed and built to the vehicle requirements through the development of specialized machinery and tooling that will be implemented in our factory and test labs.

Responsibilities:

• Own the design, development, build, and implementation of custom equipment for testing satellite components. This includes mechanical design, thermal system design, or fluid system design.
• Work with a cross‑discipline team including electrical, mechanical, controls and software engineers to develop integrated test systems.
• Collaborate with production personnel, engineering teams, and leadership to advance the factory as required to meet rate, development and reliability goals.
• Solve complex, open‑ended problems with an emphasis on speed of execution and efficiency.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, or ProE) and PLM/PDM software (e.g. Teamcenter).
• Experience with custom machine design; electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, lifting/rigging, etc.
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, facility/line layouts and common inspection methods.
• Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high‑volume environments.
• Experience performing structural analysis in FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS or NX Advance Simulation.
• Experience designing mechanisms, welded structures and mass‑efficient structures.
• Strong understanding and application of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) in creating drawings.
• Familiarity with mechanical engineering concepts, ability to read drawings and fluid system schematics.
• Ability to understand and implement solutions with an ‘end user’ focus.
• Ability to adapt (incl. roles/responsibilities) while in a fast‑paced, challenging work environment.

Additional Requirements:

• Travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary.
• Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required.
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range:

• Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
• 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

Export Control and Citizenship 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process, may contact [e-mail].