SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Mechanical Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WAFull TimeEntry-level (exp-based)$100,000–$135,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

mechanical design
test experience
structures
fluid systems
mechanisms
test stands
fabrication drawings
wiring schematics
instrumentation lists
data acquisition

Nice to have

hydraulic systems
thermal systems
electromechanical systems
high pressure systems
vacuum systems
pressure transducers

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Development Test Engineer for its Starlink satellite constellation team. This role focuses on R&D to accelerate hardware development and enhance reliability by designing, fabricating, and implementing test equipment and conducting development tests for new satellite hardware. Responsibilities include creating test stand concepts, designing structures and systems, supervising integration, operating test stands with precision, and developing test requirements from concept to closure. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 1 year of mechanical design/test experience.

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 DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)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, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

Starlink Development Test is a fast-paced R&D focused group that aims to reduce hardware development time and increase reliability by testing Starlink’s next-generation hardware. Our Test Engineers design, fabricate, and implement test equipment as well as conduct development tests for the new structures, components, mechanisms, and more.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists

Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms

Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems

Operate test stands with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error, so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer)

Develop test requirements with the flight engineering team, develop a design solution that meets or exceeds those requirements, and drive the campaign to closure

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ year of mechanical design and/or test experience (co-ops/internships can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Involvement with an extracurricular project team designing and building mechanical structures and/or high-pressure systems

Professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures

Experience with hydraulic, thermal, structural, electromechanical, high pressure, and vacuum systems

Experience with basic test instrumentation and control components such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves, and encoders

Experience with Unigraphics (NX)

Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)

Experience with steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis

Experience with high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) fluid system design and analysis

Experience working with lithium-ion batteries

Demonstrated understanding of structural and mechanical first principles analysis

Demonstrated full-cycle ownership of a hardware project from concept to implementation

Hands-on experience with testing, data acquisition, and troubleshooting issues

Hands-on design and fabrication experience

Basic programming skills (Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS preferred)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 25% to other SpaceX sites

Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)

Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed

Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay Range:Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00Level 2: $115,000.00 - $165,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.

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