Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Payload Engineering (Starlink) at SpaceX
Redmond, WA, United States
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:
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
