Mechanical Engineer, Insource Manufacturing (Starlink)

SpaceX
Bastrop, US
On-site

Why this role

Pace
Fast Paced
Collaboration
High
Autonomy
Medium
Decision Impact
Team
Role Level
Individual Contributor

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

What success looks like

  • designing and building custom equipment for high-volume production
  • optimizing existing equipment
Typical background
1+ years of mechanical design or manufacturing experience

Transferable backgrounds

  • Coming from manufacturing engineering
  • Coming from mechanical engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical DesignAutomation SystemsMaterial Handling SolutionsCAD Software

Preferred

Custom Machine DesignElectromechanical Systems

Stack & domain

CadFea Software

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 ENGINEER, INSOURCE MANUFACTURING (STARLINK) 

The Insource Manufacturing team is responsible for designing, building, and qualifying custom equipment and automation systems to enable high-volume production of Starlink products. As a Mechanical Engineer in this group, you will take end-to-end ownership of critical manufacturing equipment and material handling systems. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer who is passionate about designing robust mechanical and automation systems, optimizing existing equipment, and developing novel solutions that push the boundaries of high-volume manufacturing while minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency in our state-of-the-art Starlink factory. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Own manufacturing subsystems and equipment from conceptual design through fabrication, commissioning, and high-volume production ramp 

Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements with cross-functional teams, and drive system-level optimization 

Perform failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability modeling, and stress testing to predict and mitigate potential failures and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) 

Design and develop production equipment including structures, mechanisms, robot end effectors, automation systems, and material handling solutions 

Uptime Optimization: Monitor and track equipment performance metrics using data analytics; identify bottlenecks and downtime causes, then implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize operational availability 

Evaluate and select equipment suppliers and vendors based on reliability, performance, and business needs; oversee installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance of both internally designed and vendor-supplied equipment 

Demonstrate extreme ownership of projects through their entire lifecycle while balancing multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment 

Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to develop products and production processes in parallel 

Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed of execution, efficiency, and scalability 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials, or other engineering discipline 

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

1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Experience with custom machine design including electromechanical systems, end-of-arm tooling, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, and lifting/rigging 

Proficient in 3D CAD (Siemens NX preferred) and Teamcenter 

Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems 

Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through production ramp 

Experience applying common manufacturing processes (welding, machining, assembly, inspection) and designing for manufacturability 

Hands-on experience with mills, lathes, manual and CNC machines 

Experience with FEA, structural hand calculations, and sizing of mechanical components 

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods of time (~25% travel normally, more during urgent manufacturing and test campaigns) 

Ability to lift up to 25Ibs unassisted 

Standing/walking for long periods of time 

Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones 

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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