Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Starlink Structures)

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.

SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARLINK STRUCTURES) 

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 2M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer antennae 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 globe.

The Bus Structures and Mechanisms team owns vehicle architecture and vehicle design for current and future satellites. As a Senior Starlink Mechanical Engineer in our group, you will own blank-slate design, qualification, test design, production success, and on-orbit success of flight hardware. This role demands strong technical, design, analysis skills, and the drive to get your work over the finish line.

Specific subgroups we’re hiring for include:

• Bus Structures: design, analyze, and qualify efficient satellite primary structures
• Bus Avionics: trade and develop satellite layouts; design, analyze, and qualify mounting to support key PCBAs; harness design
• Bus Mechanisms: design electromechanical systems for attitude control, antennae pointing, and deployable structures

With an unmatched satellite launch cadence and fast (<1 year) product development cycles, this role will challenge to design mass-manufacturable, space capable hardware with the reward of flying hardware you designed and watching it operate in space. Come define what the next generation of Starlink satellites look like with us!

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starlink constellation 
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization 
• Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction 
• Drive holistic DFM to create elegant designs with a focus on piece part and process count reductions, error proofing at every step of fabrication and integration, and consistent performance and production metrics
• 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
• Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and launch
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Masters degree in an engineering or science discipline
• Full cycle ownership over design and execution of a technical, hardware-based project
• Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Proficient in 3D CAD
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Demonstrated understanding of 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
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 
• Knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components 
• Familiarity in one or more programming languages
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• Experience with electro-mechanical assemblies, motors, magnetic design, or similar
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability