New Graduate Engineer, Mechanical

About the role

Become a part of the innovative Starshield team as a Mechanical Engineer, where you will be tasked with the design and delivery of hardware from its initial concept phase all the way through to production and deployment in orbit. This position offers the opportunity to take complete ownership of mechanisms and components while working collaboratively across various engineering disciplines to tackle intricate challenges within tight deadlines.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Spearhead the development of hardware and mechanisms from the initial design stage through to high-volume manufacturing and operational use in space.
• Establish design criteria and requirements, while driving system-level optimization to enhance overall performance.
• Engage in rapid iterations of designs and analyses to inform trade studies and guide the direction of the product.
• Implement design-for-manufacturing strategies to minimize part counts, streamline processes, and incorporate error prevention measures.
• Create efficient product lifecycles that encompass the supply chain and final assembly, balancing cost, complexity, and quality throughout the process.
• Conduct rigorous environmental and performance testing to validate analytical models and ensure that designs adhere to specifications.
• Oversee delivery timelines from the conceptual phase to readiness for launch, ensuring all milestones are met.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration of mechanical systems with other engineering disciplines.
• Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to enhance product designs and processes.
• Document design processes and maintain thorough records of engineering decisions and changes.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continually improve design practices.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence within the engineering team.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related STEM field is essential.
• Practical experience with CAD or FEA tools in any context, whether professional, academic, personal projects, or entrepreneurial endeavors.
• A solid foundation in mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis, with relevant internships or extracurricular projects being advantageous.
• Expected graduation with a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree in 2026 or 2027.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• A master's degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Willingness and capability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles.
• Proven experience in hardware or systems ownership outside of academic settings, such as participation in FSAE, Engineers Without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch projects, or personal initiatives.
• Knowledge of structural analysis and understanding of failure modes in complex mechanical systems.
• Excellent self-management skills along with strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in CAD software for design purposes.
• Experience with FEA software for structural analysis.
• Understanding of GD&T for precise engineering documentation.
• Competence in mechanical and electromechanical design principles.
• Familiarity with structural analysis techniques and methodologies.

Practical notes

• Candidates must comply with ITAR regulations: U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylee status, or eligibility for necessary State Department authorization is required.
• Individuals holding an active security clearance may be eligible for sensitive missions; if assigned, they will be subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Those with active clearances may receive a 10% pay differential, potentially adding up to $20,000 annually, once integrated into a classified program.
• The salary range for a Mechanical Engineer Level I is between $100,000 and $115,000 annually, with the actual compensation determined by the candidate's knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Additional compensation may include company stock, stock options, long-term cash incentives, discretionary bonuses, and access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, short and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of paid vacation, ten or more paid holidays, and sick leave in accordance with company policy.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.