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.
SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER (DIRECT TO CELL) SpaceX is designing a revolutionary new satellite to deliver seamless cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. This satellite will feature SpaceX's largest-ever phased array antenna - designed to launch on Starship and for high-rate production to enable rapid rollout of global coverage. As a Mechanical Engineer on the Direct to Cell team, you'll be required to tackle a wide range of novel engineering challenges at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and antenna design constraints. In this role, you will be given a large amount ownership scope and an unparalleled opportunity to influence the future of the Direct to Cell program alongside a small team of passionate, top-tier engineers. Your work will span the full hardware lifecycle, from defining design requirements and system architecture to detailed design, analysis, qualification testing, production process development, and on-orbit support.
RESPONSIBILITIES: - Design, prototype, test, and qualify mechanical assemblies in iterative cycles to mature the Direct to Cell system.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative payload electromechanical interfaces, spanning scales from the full satellite and antenna array to intricate PCB-level details.
- Partner with internal and external manufacturing teams to scale new projects and technologies into high-volume, cost-effective production.
- Conduct mechanical analysis at an appropriate level of fidelity (from hand calculations to finite element analysis) to support design trades, optimizations, and decision-making for novel mechanical systems.
- Demonstrate extreme ownership of the execution and outcomes of design, development, testing, and launch milestones across the hardware lifecycle.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of experience using computer aided drafting (CAD) software (e.g. NX, CATIA, or ProE).
- 5+ years of experience with finite element analysis (FEA).
PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE: - Experience working the entire development lifecycle (ideation/concept, design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing/production, and operations/maintenance).
- 5+ years of engineering experience working in complex, multi-disciplinary design and build projects.
- Strong experience using CAD for both modeling and GD&T compliant manufacturing drawings.
- Project and/or research-based experience conducting detailed thermal or mechanical analysis with FEA software (e.g. ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, etc.).
- Experience in mechatronics or other cross disciplinary combination of mechanical, electrical, and software skill sets.
- Prior programming experience (Python, Matlab, C/C++, Excel, etc.).
- Basic understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals.
- Interest in working at a nimble engineering organization that requires a scrappy, entrepreneurial approach to accomplish tasks within time & budget constraints.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with an enthusiasm for problem-solving.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: - Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Sr.: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
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, stock options, 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: 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
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