Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical - (Starlink)

About the role

As a mechanical engineer within the Starlink electric propulsion team you will own the end-to-end design, analysis, test, build and on-orbit life cycle of the propulsion hardware. You will get to oversee a critical system at the heart of the satellite, as you work cross functionally with plasma physics experts, avionics engineers, and electrical engineers to develop propulsion hardware (thrusters, cathodes, regulators and the fluid feed system).

Responsibilities

• Solve complex mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and fluid system problems on the space grade hardware that enables our satellites to move in space
• Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starlink constellation
• Work closely with partner domains including thermal, materials, electrical, mechanical, software and GNC groups
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization. Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction
• Drive holistic DFM to create elegant designs with a focus on piece part and process count reductions, error proofing at every step of fabrication and integration, and consistent performance and production metrics
• 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 vacuum chamber tests, performance characterization, and environmental tests on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, analysis, assembly, launch, and on-orbit performance
• Perform root cause investigations to understand failures and disposition hardware non-conformances
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• 1+ years of industry experience (internships/co-ops can apply)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• Hands-on experience designing, building and testing electric or chemical propulsion systems in an industry or lab environment
• Previous experience and ownership of the full product life cycle in a high-rate production environment. (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)
• Experience with structural and electromagnetic finite element analysis
• 1+ years of experience with GD&T concepts
• Experience Python and MATLAB; familiarity with SQL and Metabase
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations and design considerations
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)

Additional Requirements

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

Pay Range

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00

Level 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.