Mechanical Engineer

About the role

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to become a vital member of the Solar Product Team, focusing on the development of advanced photovoltaic power systems for the next generation of Starlink satellites. This role involves taking complete ownership of the design, qualification, production readiness, and reliability of power generation assemblies that will be utilized across various satellite payloads and vehicle architectures. You will play a crucial part in ensuring the success of these innovative projects.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and evaluate solar array components, ranging from photovoltaic cells to fully integrated electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Take responsibility for the mechanical systems and tooling associated with the solar array sub-assembly.
• Develop technical documentation for design reviews and ensure accountability for solar factory performance metrics, including yield, uptime, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with teams in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Avionics, Operations, and Payloads to enhance overall vehicle performance.
• Provide design validation through hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Generate engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications necessary for purchasing, manufacturing, and operational processes.
• Create and execute test procedures and verification plans that encompass both electrical and mechanical aspects.
• Conduct process qualifications utilizing design of experiments and statistical process control methodologies.
• Work closely with supply chain and production teams to implement design changes that meet manufacturing targets and cost objectives.
• Analyze performance data from on-orbit operations and apply insights to improve manufacturing processes or design features.
• Partner with Materials Engineering to devise innovative solutions for challenges related to space-based solar applications.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required.
• At least 1 year of professional experience in mechanical or electromechanical design, analysis, testing, or manufacturing is necessary (internships and co-op experiences are included).
• Must be able to stand, bend, and move for over 4 hours daily while handling hardware.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
• Ability to travel internationally if the role demands it.
• Must comply with ITAR regulations: U.S. citizenship or national status, U.S. permanent residency, refugee status under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylee status under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or eligibility to obtain necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice to have

• Experience in solar array design or solar manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with the performance characterization of photovoltaic solar cells.
• Knowledge of material specification and qualification for spaceflight applications.
• Understanding of design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification techniques.
• Proficiency in analyzing mechanical assemblies through hand calculations and FEA.
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably NX.
• Competence in dynamic and thermal analysis.
• Strong grasp of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and automation techniques for composites, soft goods, adhesives, and metals, including welding, brazing, fastening, riveting, bonding, lamination, and soldering.

Skills & tools

• Mechanical and electromechanical design expertise.
• Proficient in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and hand calculations.
• Experienced with 3D CAD software (NX preferred).
• Knowledgeable in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Familiar with design of experiments and statistical process control methodologies.

Practical notes

• Level I salary range: $100,000 to $115,000 annually.
• Level II salary range: $110,000 to $135,000 annually.
• Actual job level and base salary will be determined based on relevant knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Eligible for long-term incentives, which may include company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.
• Potential for discretionary bonuses and access to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Enjoy 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays each year.
• Employees in Washington State will accrue paid sick leave in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Company-provided shuttles are available Monday through Friday from select locations in Seattle to the Redmond office.