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Mechanical Engineer, Precision Machining (Starlink)

Woodinville, WA
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

As a Mechanical Engineer at Starlink you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. In this role you will be responsible for the manufacturing and quality systems surrounding tight tolerance machined hardware for the satellite RF systems. You will need to develop innovative manufacturing solutions to drive quality, takt time, and yield improvements, as well as design and own tooling and automation projects on challenging timelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Own product success for precision machined parts with single-digit micron tolerances
  • Design and own the outcome of shop automation projects
  • Interface with design engineers and machinists to implement DFM feedback on new and current hardware iterations
  • Aggressively implement process improvements to production processes to improve quality and throughput
  • Create capital and facility justifications for large projects and process improvements. Own these projects through implementation and activation
  • Own and develop quality plans for hardware covering dimensional inspection and functional testing
  • Design and fabricate tooling for machining, assembly, and inspection stations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, physics or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of engineering design experience (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with CAD/PDM systems
  • Hands on experience milling, turning, and/or CMM inspection
  • Strong demonstrable experience using GD&T
  • Experience working effectively across multi-disciplinary teams
  • Desire to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Basic proficiency with software programming in at least one language
  • Experience with full part life cycle from design through verification and production

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
  • Some travel required (up to 10%)
  • Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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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