Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Satellites
Job description
About the role
Join the team responsible for the Starlink constellation, the largest satellite network in the world. You will manage the full lifecycle of space-grade hardware, from initial concept and design through large-scale production and orbital operation. In this capacity, you will own critical design decisions that directly impact manufacturability, reliability, and launch schedules. The role requires collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to solve complex engineering challenges. You will act as a technical leader, translating high-level requirements into detailed mechanical solutions. Your work will ensure that hardware systems survive the harsh environment of space and meet strict quality standards. This position is integral to maintaining the pace and precision required for a high-volume satellite production environment.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Define design criteria and perform system-level optimization for satellite hardware.
- Iterate rapidly on designs to influence high-level trade studies and product direction.
- Implement design for manufacturing principles to reduce part counts and improve fabrication efficiency.
- Manage the product lifecycle from supply chain to final assembly, ensuring cost, quality, and complexity goals are met.
- Conduct environmental and performance testing to verify hardware compliance.
- Oversee project delivery timelines through all stages of development and launch.
- Partner with suppliers to qualify components and drive continuous improvement in production yields.
- Lead failure analysis investigations to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Develop and validate mechanical models to predict structural and thermal performance.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve interface issues between subsystems.
- Support the development of test procedures and protocols for on-orbit operations.
- Drive the documentation of design decisions and engineering deliverables.
- Mentor junior engineers by providing guidance on best practices and technical standards.
- Champion the adoption of automation tools to streamline design and analysis workflows.
Requirements
- Bachelor degree in an engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical or electromechanical design, analysis, testing, or manufacturing.
- Proficiency with CAD and FEA software.
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends to meet mission milestones.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
Nice to have
- Master degree in engineering or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
- 2+ years of hands-on project experience, ideally in a team lead capacity.
- Expert-level 3D CAD skills, specifically with NX.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T and structural failure modes.
- Experience managing a complex component or assembly from design through high-volume production.
- Background in materials selection, manufacturing methods, surface treatments, programming, PCB mechanical design, or statistical process control.
Skills & tools
- CAD (NX preferred)
- FEA
- GD&T
- Structural analysis
- High-volume production processes
Practical notes
Total compensation includes potential long-term incentives such as company stock, stock options, or cash awards, plus discretionary bonuses and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10+ paid holidays. Company shuttles are provided from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office. SpaceX is an equal opportunity employer.
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.