Mechanical Design Engineer, Gateways

About the role

In this position, you will oversee the comprehensive development of ground station antennas that support the Starlink satellite network. Your responsibilities will encompass the entire lifecycle of the hardware, from the initial design phase to high-volume production and eventual deployment in the field. This role requires a proactive approach to engineering challenges and a commitment to delivering innovative solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Spearhead the hardware development process, guiding projects from the conceptual design phase through to manufacturing and operational implementation.
• Conduct rapid design iterations, perform analyses, and execute testing to inform system-level trade studies and direct product development.
• Establish design specifications and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to enhance overall system performance.
• Streamline product lifecycles by effectively managing cost, quality, and complexity while establishing in-house production capabilities.
• Assess hardware performance through rigorous environmental and functional testing to ensure adherence to established requirements.
• Innovate manufacturing processes in collaboration with internal teams to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Document design processes and results to maintain clear communication and facilitate knowledge transfer within the team.
• Engage in troubleshooting and problem-solving during the design and production phases to address any technical challenges that arise.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to incorporate best practices into your work.
• Mentor junior engineers and interns, providing guidance and support to foster their professional development.
• Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers to enhance project outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards throughout the design and manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required.
• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience in mechanical or electromechanical design, analysis, testing, or manufacturing, which may include internships.
• Familiarity with CAD software or finite element analysis (FEA) tools is essential.
• A solid understanding of mechanical design principles and practices.
• Experience in conducting tests and analyses to validate design performance.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in antenna or RF hardware design and testing is advantageous.
• A background in developing high-reliability hardware in dynamic settings is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with PCB designers, including knowledge of mechanical design and layout for PCBA.
• Proficiency in material selection, surface treatments, and various manufacturing techniques.
• Capability to make informed design decisions and evaluate risks, even with incomplete information.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling you to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in CAD software for design and modeling.
• Experienced with finite element analysis (FEA) for performance evaluation.
• Knowledgeable in mechanical and electromechanical design principles.
• Skilled in developing manufacturing and production processes.
• Familiar with environmental and performance testing methodologies.

Practical notes

• Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends may be necessary to meet critical project deadlines.
• This role is subject to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to be eligible.
• SpaceX is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

By joining SpaceX as a Mechanical Design Engineer in the Gateways team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the technology that powers the Starlink satellite network. Your contributions will directly impact the future of global communication, making this an exciting opportunity for those passionate about engineering and innovation.

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.