Mechanical Engineer

About the role

SpaceX is building new satellite technology to provide global cellular connectivity via the Starlink constellation. This role focuses on the mechanical design of large phased array antennas intended for Starship launches and high-volume production. The position requires ownership of the full mechanical development lifecycle for antenna systems, driving innovation from initial concept to flight hardware. You will be responsible for solving complex mechanical challenges that arise during prototyping and testing phases. Success in this role depends on your ability to translate high-level system requirements into robust mechanical designs. You will own critical design decisions that directly impact manufacturability and mission success. Collaboration with satellite, RF, and manufacturing teams is essential to ensure alignment across all disciplines. Your work will contribute directly to the scalability and reliability of next-generation satellite infrastructure.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop, prototype, and qualify mechanical hardware through iterative testing cycles, ensuring each phase meets stringent performance criteria.
• Coordinate with cross-functional groups to design electromechanical interfaces ranging from full satellite systems to PCB-level components, facilitating seamless integration.
• Work with manufacturing teams to transition new designs into cost-effective, high-volume production, optimizing processes for efficiency and reliability.
• Perform mechanical and thermal analysis using tools ranging from manual calculations to finite element analysis to validate design assumptions and predict behavior.
• Manage the full hardware lifecycle, including design, testing, and on-orbit support, maintaining traceability and accountability throughout the process.
• Conduct design reviews and risk assessments to identify potential failure modes and implement mitigation strategies before hardware fabrication.
• Create detailed engineering drawings and specifications that communicate design intent clearly to manufacturing and quality teams.
• Support testing and validation activities, including fixture design, test setup, and data analysis to drive informed design improvements.
• Partner with suppliers to evaluate materials, processes, and components, ensuring compliance with technical requirements and program constraints.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of production documentation, standard work instructions, and process optimization initiatives.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to solve problems related to structural integrity, thermal management, and vibration performance.
• Utilize CAD software to build and iterate on 3D models, enabling rapid exploration of design alternatives and trade studies.
• Engage in root cause analysis for test anomalies and flight anomalies, developing corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Communicate progress, risks, and decisions effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in an engineering field, demonstrating foundational knowledge of mechanical principles and engineering practices.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with CAD software such as NX, CATIA, or ProE, showcasing your ability to create and modify complex 3D models.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with finite element analysis, indicating familiarity with simulation methods used to guide design decisions.
• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, ensuring compliance with national security regulations.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends to meet project deadlines, reflecting the fast-paced nature of aerospace development cycles.
• Willingness to relocate to Redmond, Washington, or commute regularly to the designated work location.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with multidisciplinary team members.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Nice to have

• 2 years of total engineering experience, including internships, student projects, or professional work, providing a broader context for engineering decisions.
• 1 year of experience in complex, multi-disciplinary build projects, highlighting your exposure to integrated system development.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling and GD&T manufacturing drawings, ensuring designs are manufacturable and inspection-friendly.
• Experience with FEA software like ANSYS, NASTRAN, or ABAQUS, strengthening your ability to perform advanced simulation and analysis.
• Background in mechatronics or cross-disciplinary design, illustrating versatility across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
• Programming skills in Python, Matlab, C, C++, or Excel, enabling automation of repetitive tasks and data analysis.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals, supporting collaboration with electronics and RF teams on shared objectives.

Practical notes

• Salary range: Level I ($100,000 - $115,000) or Level II ($110,000 - $135,000).
• Compensation includes long-term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Time off includes 3 weeks of vacation and 10+ paid holidays, plus state-compliant sick time.
• Company shuttles provided from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office.