Mechanical Design Engineer, Gateways (Starlink)

SpaceX
Bastrop, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level mechanical engineers with experience in electromechanical design and analysis, working on high-reliability hardware in aerospace or telecom.

Best fit for

  • Engineers who can own hardware from concept to deployment in extreme conditions.
    — “Own hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production
  • Candidates comfortable with rapid iteration and system-level optimization.
    — “Rapidly iterate on designs, analysis, and test
  • Those with experience in RF or antenna hardware design.
    — “Experience designing and testing RF or antenna hardware

Things to consider

  • Must be eligible for U.S. export control regulations.
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations
  • Extended hours or weekends may be required for deadlines.
    — “Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with PCB design and manufacturing processes.
    — “Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout
  • Showcase projects where you balanced cost, complexity, and quality.
    — “Balances cost, complexity, and quality
  • Demonstrate ability to make decisions with incomplete data.
    — “Make design and development decisions without all available data
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • design and manufacture of ground station antennas
  • high-volume production and deployment
Typical background
1+ years of professional experience in mechanical/electromechanical design

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical DesignRF Vacuum ElectronicsHigh-precision Pointing SystemsCADFinite Element Analysis (fea)

Preferred

PCB Mechanical DesignMaterials SelectionManufacturing Methods

Stack & domain

Mechanical DesignCad SoftwareFinite Element Analysis (fea)Rf Vacuum ElectronicsHigh-precision Pointing And Actuation SystemsProblem-solvingTeamworkInnovationSpace TechnologySatellite CommunicationAntenna DesignMechanical EngineeringManufacturing

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER, GATEWAYS (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, ground station gateways, and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact, and we are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

Starlink Gateways are advanced ground stations antennas that are responsible for delivering internet from the ground to satellites – they must be high-precision, low-cost, high-performance in all weather conditions (from the Arctic Circle to the desert), and ultra-reliable over long periods of time. As a mechanical engineer on gateways, you will holistically own complex hardware and system design for these ground stations. The mechanical team is responsible for the design of everything from cutting-edge composites and manufacturing technology, state-of-the-art RF vacuum electronics, to high-precision pointing and actuation systems. The role encompasses design, analysis, and hands-on manufacturing disciplines, with the ability to spearhead change at the inception of product development, through production, deployment, and operations. Come join this high-performing team in designing and building out the world’s largest network of ground stations!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production and ground station deployment and operation

Rapidly iterate on designs, analysis, and test to inform high-level system trades and steer overall product direction

Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization

Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line

Perform environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria

Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production 

Work with partner teams to develop novel manufacturing procedures

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)

Experience with CAD and/or finite element analysis (FEA) software packages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience designing and testing RF or antenna hardware

Experience with fast-paced hardware development for high-reliability applications

Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design

Knowledge and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components

Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data

Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Able to communicate complex concepts, problems, and solutions clearly and effectively to all levels within the organization

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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