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, PAYLOAD ENGINEERING (STARLINK)

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink satellite constellation will provide reliable internet to the entire world. As a senior mechanical engineer on the Starlink team, you will be responsible for the antenna systems on SpaceX’s high volume communication satellites. You will make decisions about design and verification without the constraints of customer certification, and you will rapidly turn your ideas into giant mountains of hardware thanks to extremely tight integration between engineering and production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply mechanical knowledge to drive payload communication system trades and component development, including design, analysis, and validation
• Design custom structures, mechanisms, circuit board assemblies, and electronics packaging to support Starlink antenna systems
• Work with electrical, antenna, RF and thermal engineers to ensure designs meet system performance requirements
• Guide hardware from prototype manufacturing through full production rate, including ongoing manufacturing support for spacecraft assembly, integration and test
• Gather and process data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected
• Lead failure investigations and drive changes to improve reliability and/or production rate
• Extreme ownership of product outcomes for ground and spaceflight hardware

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis
• Hands-on experience with mechanism design, prototyping, and/or precision mechanical assembly

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering
• Experience in mechanical design and analysis on cross functional teams (including but not limited to antenna, optical, avionics, or consumer electronics hardware)
• Strong demonstrated capability in design, CAD and FEA
• Project experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with design for high volume production with a focus on design for manufacturability
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• Experience working on antenna systems including phased array and steered parabolic designs
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of mechanical systems
• Demonstrated understanding on thermal management strategies
• Knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components
• Proficiency with GD&T and tolerance analysis for multi-component assemblies
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages
• Innovative, driven, out of the box thinker, self-motivated to investigate and implement new ideas, and proactive in overcoming obstacles
• Very strong communication, teamwork and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.