Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Consumer Hardware (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer for Starlink in Bastrop, TX. This role involves leading the design and development of innovative consumer hardware for Starlink while ensuring high field reliability and low production costs. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, extensive experience in mechanical design, and proficiency in CAD tools. Candidates must be US citizens or residents due to export regulations. SpaceX offers a dynamic work environment focused on advancing global internet access.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical design.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of Starlink consumer hardware.
• Collaborate on requirements and drive system-level optimization.
• Refine production systems for high-rate, reliable processes.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD software

Team leadership

Failure mode analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

NX CAD software

Job description

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Consumer Hardware (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

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.

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the world.

Starlink Mechanical Design Engineers in our Austin facilities are hyper focused on the high‑volume consumer products that we ship directly to customers all over the world. We design this hardware to be both technically sophisticated and easy to use. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas. As a member of this team, you will lead creative, multi‑disciplinary projects that include designing both the consumer products themselves and the factories that manufacture them, ushering in the next era of the internet, and delivering internet to those that need it most.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own Starlink consumer hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and public launch
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system‑level optimization
• Test and iterate on products to enable high field reliability and performance in all environments and use cases
• Design and develop the production lines that manufacture your product, including robot end effectors, process development, control system design, automation programming, and more
• Refine the production system to create high‑rate, high‑yield, and reliable processes
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in‑house production line

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• 5+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands‑on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high‑volume production ramp
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
• Exposure to a variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

• 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].