Solar Array Mechanical Engineer – Spacecraft Power

SpaceX Corp.; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company shuttle

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Stock options / long‑term incentives

Paid parental leave

Vacation and holidays

Paid sick time

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and qualify the next generation of Starlink solar array power systems. You will own mechanical design from cells to subsystems, perform analyses, and prepare design reviews, while coordinating with GNC, Avionics, Operations and Payload teams.

The role emphasizes hands‑on fabrication, DFMA, and test plan execution, with opportunities to influence manufacturing rates, reliability, and cost across multiple satellite architectures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.

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 for the solar array sub‑assembly.
• Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews and demonstrate 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.
• Design and conduct process qualifications using design of experiments and statistical process control.
• Work with supply chain and production partners to complete DFM changes to meet factory rates and costs.
• Complete review of on orbit performance data and respond with manufacturing and design solutions.
• Collaborate with Materials Engineering to develop novel space‑based solar solutions.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA

Hand calculations

3D CAD

Thermal analysis

GD&T

Design for manufacturing

Space environments

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

NX CAD

FEA software

Job description

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and qualify the next generation of Starlink solar array power systems. You will own mechanical design from cells to subsystems, perform analyses, and prepare design reviews, while coordinating with GNC, Avionics, Operations and Payload teams.

The role emphasizes hands‑on fabrication, DFMA, and test plan execution, with opportunities to influence manufacturing rates, reliability, and cost across multiple satellite architectures.