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Tooling Design & Automation Engineer (Starlink)

Hawthorne, CA
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

TOOLING DESIGN AND AUTOMATION ENGINEER (STARLINK)

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 globe.

One key component of SpaceX's success so far is our commitment to keeping all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision making, and speedy deliverables. Tooling Design and Automation Engineers at our Hawthorne site are hyper-focused on designing and developing full factory solutions for consumer electronics in the tens of millions that are both technically sophisticated and easy to use. As a member of this team, you will lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring that all come together to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, develop, and manage factory design projects - this includes initial factory ideation, cradle-to-grave machine ownership, proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
  • Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization for in-house machine design with focus on speed, reliability, maintainability, and safety
  • Refine the production system to create high-rate, high-yield, and reliable processes
  • Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
  • Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or science discipline
  • Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
  • 1+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 2+ 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 and product lifecycle management programs to generate detailed designs and drawing packages utilizing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, preferably Siemens NX and Teamcenter
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
  • Exposure to motion system sizing and implementation including gantries, robotics, conveyance, motors, actuators, pneumatics/hydraulics, sensor selection, integration, safety keep-outs, etc.
  • Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment including motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.
  • Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
  • Willing to learn how to design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
  • Willing to learn how to architect, write, and debug PLC code
  • Willing to learn how to generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
  • Willing to travel a minimum of 10% of the time, and up to 50% of the time to support business needs

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level 1: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level 2: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • 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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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