Mechanical Engineer (Starlink Components)

SpaceX; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the Starlink Components Test Team in Redmond, Washington. You will be responsible for designing and implementing test systems for high-volume communication satellites.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and experience with CAD software. This role includes collaboration across disciplines to develop integrated testing machinery and solve complex engineering challenges efficiently.

Benefits include competitive pay, stock options, comprehensive medical coverage, and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another engineering discipline.
• Experience with CAD software packages and PLM/PDM software.
• Experience with custom machine design and electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement custom equipment for testing satellite components.
• Work with cross-discipline teams to develop integrated test systems.
• Solve complex problems with efficiency.

Skills

CAD software experience

Custom machine design

Structural analysis

Mechanical engineering concepts

End user focus

Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA

ANSYS

Job description

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARLINK COMPONENTS)

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, including mechanical, thermal, 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 another engineering discipline.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with CAD software packages (e.g., NX, CATIA, or ProE) and PLM/PDM software (e.g., Teamcenter).
• Experience with custom machine design, including electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, and lifting/rigging.
• 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 prototype or high‑volume environments.
• Experience performing structural analysis in FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS, or NX Advanced 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

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.

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 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].