Tooling Engineer — AI Satellites (On‑Orbit Compute)

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Tooling Engineer for AI Satellites (Starmind) in Texas to own the manufacturing line for hardware enabling on‑orbit AI processing. You will develop in-house tooling, optimize fabrication, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to drive cost and quality.

You will work on machining, assembly, testing of compute electronics and memory, using Siemens NX and advanced 3D CAD to scale from prototype to high‑volume production, while meeting mission deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop machining capability in-house for the tool & die team and deliver high-quality precision piece parts required to build internal tooling
• Analyze piece parts and assemblies for DFM to ensure that the parts are optimized for manufacturing and assembly
• Create collaborative business plans with design engineering, upstream production, and support teams and develop and maintain positive supplier/customer relationships
• Work between manufacturing and design engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to ensure processes are robust and any production problems are quickly solved
• Implement machining process controls that allow parts to run ‘lights out’. Leverage latest technologies and programming strategies to reduce in-cycle intervention
• Identify, recommend, procure, and install machine shop equipment as well as ensure all equipment is thoroughly maintained and calibrated
• Responsible for cost optimization and cost reduction initiatives associated with fabrication and processes
• Continually develop and manage engineering capacity, schedules, and project plans in order to support production manifest as well as a diverse and variable R&D demand
• Research and identify new materials, manufacturing technologies and finishing options
• Inform estimations of prototype and production manufacturing costs - tooling, secondary assembly, secondary finishing and piece part
• Publish and maintain detailed schedules for each development project segment

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Tooling Engineer for AI Satellites (Starmind) in Texas to own the manufacturing line for hardware enabling on‑orbit AI processing. You will develop in-house tooling, optimize fabrication, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to drive cost and quality.

You will work on machining, assembly, testing of compute electronics and memory, using Siemens NX and advanced 3D CAD to scale from prototype to high‑volume production, while meeting mission deadlines.