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Mechanical Engineer (Starlink Components)

Redmond, WA
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Within the Starlink Components Test Team, mechanical engineers design, build, and implement test systems to support the development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware for the most cutting-edge, high volume communication satellites in the world. The team is looking for an engineer who is mechanically focused on designing and implementing machines for testing satellite components. The satellite is composed of electrical, mechanical, RF, optical, and propulsion systems. In this role, you will be part of the team that validates that each component is designed and built to the vehicle requirements through the development of specialized machinery and tooling that will be implemented in our factory and test labs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Own the design, development, build, and implementation of custom equipment for testing satellite components. This includes mechanical design, thermal system design, or fluid system design.
  • Work with a cross-discipline team including electrical, mechanical, controls and software engineers to develop integrated test systems.
  • Collaborate with production personnel, engineering teams, and leadership to advance the factory as required to meet rate, development and reliability goals.
  • Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed of execution and efficiency.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, or ProE) and PLM/PDM software (e.g. Teamcenter).
  • Experience with custom machine design; electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, lifting/rigging, etc.
  • Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
  • Experience with manufacturing process development, facility/line layouts and common inspection methods.
  • Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments.
  • Experience performing structural analysis in FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS or NX Advance Simulation.
  • Experience designing mechanisms, welded structures and mass efficient structures.
  • Strong understanding and application of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) in creating drawings.
  • Familiarity with mechanical engineering concepts, ability to read drawings and fluid system schematics.
  • Ability to understand and implement solutions with an 'end user' focus.
  • Ability to adapt (incl. roles/responsibilities) while in a fast-paced, challenging work environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary.
  • Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required.
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. 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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