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Manufacturing Engineer (Starlink Optical)

Bastrop, TX
Full Time On-site
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 world.

Our factory integrates precision electro-mechanical assemblies, automation systems, and production data infrastructure. We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, build, and scale the physical systems that make this possible.

This is an early-career, hands-on engineering role. You will work alongside senior engineers to design and implement production cells, develop assembly workflows, and support product-to-manufacturing integration. While prior factory experience is not required, strong first-principles engineering skills and comfort designing and debugging real hardware systems are essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support the design and implementation of automated production cells, fixtures, and tooling for precision optical and electro-mechanical assembly
  • Create and modify CAD models for tooling, fixtures, mechanical interfaces, and production equipment
  • Assist with product-to-manufacturing handoff during new product introduction (NPI), including process development, build planning, and first-article execution
  • Develop, document, and maintain assembly processes, work instructions, and validation procedures to support repeatable high-volume production
  • Build, test, and debug production equipment and prototype hardware on the factory floor
  • Analyze yield, process, and metrology data to support root-cause investigations and drive continuous improvement
  • Partner with mechanical, electrical, optical, and automation engineering teams to identify manufacturability improvements and feed lessons learned back into product design
  • Support the development and qualification of production test and inspection methods, including in-line metrology and end-of-line validation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • Experience with CAD and FEA software packages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Internship, co-op, or early-career experience in hardware, robotics, automation, or manufacturing environments
  • Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly or test applications
  • Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) for process data analysis or automation
  • Experience working with precision assemblies, robotic systems, or automated pick-and-place equipment
  • Familiarity with manufacturing process development methodologies (e.g., PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC)
  • Exposure to GD&T and tolerance analysis as applied to fixture and tooling design
  • Experience with or interest in production data systems, MES, or manufacturing traceability infrastructure
  • Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing practices

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

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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