Satellite Mechanical Test Engineer – Innovate on Orbit Hardware

InvestedintheMission; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental

401(k)

Paid parental leave

3 weeks vacation + 10+ holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Development Test Engineer for satellites (Starlink) in Redmond to design, build and test hardware for next‑gen structures and mechanisms. The role involves developing test stands, supervising integration, and ensuring high-precision execution in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Bachelor’s in engineering and 1+ year of mechanical design/test experience are required; knowledge of hydraulics, high‑pressure systems, sensors, and basic programming is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ year of mechanical design and/or test experience (co-ops/internships can apply)
• Hands-on testing, data acquisition, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with hydraulic, thermal, structural, electromechanical, high pressure, and vacuum systems.

Responsibilities

• Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists.
• Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms.
• Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems.
• Operate test stands with high attention to detail; tests have small margins for error.
• Develop test requirements with flight engineering and drive campaigns to closure.

Skills

Mechanical design

Test engineering

Prototype fabrication

Data acquisition

Programming (Python/JS)

NX/Unigraphics

FEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Unigraphics NX

FEA software

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Development Test Engineer for satellites (Starlink) in Redmond to design, build and test hardware for next‑gen structures and mechanisms. The role involves developing test stands, supervising integration, and ensuring high-precision execution in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Bachelor’s in engineering and 1+ year of mechanical design/test experience are required; knowledge of hydraulics, high‑pressure systems, sensors, and basic programming is a plus.