Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Become a key member of the Starshield team, where you will focus on the development of satellite technology aimed at enhancing national security through advanced earth observation and communication payloads. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of mechanical systems, from initial design concepts to their operational deployment in orbit.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the design and management of mechanical systems and mechanisms throughout their complete lifecycle, ensuring they meet all specifications and requirements.
• Establish design criteria and perform comprehensive system-level optimizations to enhance performance and reliability.
• Engage in rapid design iterations to guide system trade-offs and influence the overall direction of product development.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing principles to streamline production processes, reduce the number of parts, and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and maintain effective production lines, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical systems.
• Conduct thorough performance and environmental testing to ensure that hardware meets all compliance standards and operational requirements.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables from the early stages of development through to the launch phase, ensuring all milestones are met.
• Document and communicate design changes and project updates to stakeholders, maintaining transparency throughout the development process.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related STEM discipline is essential.
• At least one year of experience in mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis, which may include internships or relevant extracurricular activities.
• Strong proficiency in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software is required.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to comply with ITAR regulations.
• A solid understanding of mechanical system design principles and practices is necessary.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment are crucial.

Nice to have

• A Master's degree in engineering or a closely related technical field is preferred.
• Willingness and capability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) practices is a plus.
• Experience managing hardware within integrated engineering teams, such as FSAE (Formula SAE), Design-Build-Fly, or NASA student launch programs, is beneficial.
• Knowledge of structural analysis and the identification of failure modes in complex systems would be an asset.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in CAD software for designing mechanical components.
• Experience with FEA software for analyzing and validating designs.
• Understanding of GD&T for ensuring precise manufacturing specifications.
• Skills in structural analysis to assess the integrity of mechanical systems.
• Expertise in electromechanical system design to create integrated solutions.

Practical notes

• Salary for this position ranges from Level 1 ($100,000 - $117,500) to Level 2 ($115,000 - $140,000), depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
• Employees with active security clearances may receive a 10% salary differential, which can amount to an additional $20,000 annually upon being briefed into classified programs.
• The total compensation package includes stock options, discretionary bonuses, a 401(k) plan, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with paid parental leave.
• Benefits also encompass three weeks of vacation, more than ten paid holidays, and sick leave provisions.
• Candidates should be prepared for the possibility of extended hours and weekend work to meet critical mission deadlines.
• Travel to various vendors, customers, and partner locations will be required as part of the role.
• Positions that require active security clearances are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing protocols.

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.