Optical Satellite Mechanical Engineer

Front Door Defense; Redmond, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, dental

401(k) retirement plan

SpaceX shuttle service

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Engineer - Optical, Satellites (Starlink) in Redmond, WA to own the end-to-end mechanical design of hardware for high-bandwidth optics and imaging payloads.

You will drive precision mechanisms, deployable hardware, and integration of electronics into flight assemblies from concept through production and on-orbit operation. The role demands hands-on testing, CAD mastery, and strong ownership.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 1+ years CAD and mechanical design, analysis, testing, or manufacturing.
• Preferred: Master’s degree and 3+ years in mechanisms or electro-mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical, electro-mechanical hardware from concept to on-orbit operation.
• Design precision mechanisms and actuators to meet pointing, stiffness, mass, and reliability requirements.
• Perform structural analysis (static, modal, vibration, shock) and interpret results.
• Integrate electronics into flight hardware with PCBA packaging and interfaces.
• Lead development, qualification, and acceptance testing including environmental tests.
• Collaborate with optics, electrical, thermal, manufacturing, and supply-chain teams.

Skills

CAD design

Mechanical design

GD&T

Finite element analysis

Test & instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

NX

FEA software

Job description

SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Engineer - Optical, Satellites (Starlink) in Redmond, WA to own the end-to-end mechanical design of hardware for high-bandwidth optics and imaging payloads.

You will drive precision mechanisms, deployable hardware, and integration of electronics into flight assemblies from concept through production and on-orbit operation. The role demands hands-on testing, CAD mastery, and strong ownership.