Design Criteria Engineer

About the role

The Starshield team adapts SpaceX Starlink technology for government applications, focusing on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. You will join a multidisciplinary group responsible for ensuring satellite reliability through rigorous design standards and configuration management. This role involves either guiding new designs from conception to orbit or managing the implementation of hardware improvements across the satellite fleet. You will serve as the primary authority on design criteria, translating high-level mission objectives into enforceable technical constraints for hardware and software. You will act as a bridge between advanced engineering concepts and practical implementation, ensuring that theoretical models align with flight heritage. This position requires a proactive mindset to anticipate system-level interactions and prevent potential failures before they manifest. You will be instrumental in fostering a culture of precision and accountability within the engineering teams. Your work will directly impact the integrity and success of critical government space missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Establish and evolve the foundational design criteria that govern satellite subsystem interactions and performance boundaries.
• Execute rigorous peer reviews of electrical schematics, structural models, and radio frequency layouts to validate compliance with established standards.
• Interpret complex customer requirements and convert them into actionable technical specifications for the engineering workforce.
• Perform in-depth analysis of test data and simulation results to uncover latent design risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Lead failure mode assessments and develop robust mitigation plans that are integrated into the design and manufacturing workflows.
• Maintain precise configuration records to track the exact specifications of both planned and produced satellite components.
• Synchronize change requests across multiple production lines to ensure consistent implementation and avoid integration conflicts.
• Develop custom software tools using Python and SQL to automate data validation and streamline milestone tracking.
• Liaise with external suppliers and internal departments to resolve discrepancies in materials, processes, and deliverables.
• Champion the adoption of SpaceX design processes to ensure uniformity and efficiency across all vehicle programs.
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate alternative design solutions and select options that optimize reliability and manufacturability.
• Generate technical reports and presentations that communicate complex findings to both engineering specialists and executive leadership.
• Monitor industry standards and regulatory changes to ensure the satellite fleet remains compliant with evolving requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the maturity of the design criteria framework over time.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in an engineering discipline such as mechanical, electrical, computer, or aerospace engineering.
• Possess a minimum of 1 year of hands-on engineering experience gained through professional roles, internships, or project-based extracurricular activities.
• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to satisfy ITAR compliance requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance, which may involve the possibility of drug and alcohol testing.
• Show a strong commitment to working effectively in a high-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate technical concepts clearly.
• Prove capability to manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate technical documentation under pressure.
• Understand the importance of safety-critical processes and the impact of design decisions on mission success.

Nice to have

• Hold an advanced degree such as a Master or PhD in a relevant engineering field.
• Accumulate 5 or more years of professional experience in design, analysis, test, or manufacturing roles.
• Bring a background in aerospace systems, including launch vehicles, aircraft, or spacecraft, to accelerate team onboarding.
• Have direct experience in safety-critical or high-rate manufacturing environments where precision is paramount.
• Familiarity with make versus buy decision processes and supply chain integration strategies.
• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage part inventories and procurement workflows.
• Possess an active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance to reduce onboarding time.

Practical notes

• Compensation is structured at Level I ($100,000 - $115,000) or Level II ($110,000 - $135,000).
• Active TS/SCI clearance holders receive a 10% salary differential, up to $20,000 annually.
• Total rewards package includes company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits cover medical, vision, dental, 401(k), disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• The role expects availability for extended working hours and weekends to meet critical project milestones.
• Travel is required up to 10% of the time for meetings, test reviews, or facility visits.
• Relocation may be necessary for this position based on team needs.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role.
• The successful candidate will be required to adhere to strict security protocols and workplace safety standards.