Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Solar Array (Starlink)

About the role

SpaceX is looking for a highly motivated engineer to join the Solar Product Team. In this position, you will design and implement the next generation of photovoltaic power systems for new Starlink satellite versions. This role is ultimately responsible for the design, qualification, production rate capability, and reliability of Starlink power generation assemblies used across multiple satellite payloads and vehicle architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design and analysis of solar array components ranging from photovoltaic cells to integrated electro-mechanical solar array assemblies.
• Own and design various satellite mechanical systems and/or associated tooling specifically for the solar array sub-assembly.
• Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews. Demonstrate extreme ownership of the production outcome of the Starlink solar factory across yield, uptime, and cost.
• Work across disciplines with partner teams such as GNC, Avionics, Operations, and Payloads to achieve the best vehicle outcomes.
• Provide analytical rationale for design capability through hand calcs, and FEA where applicable.
• Complete engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications to define purchasing, manufacturing, and operational requirements.
• Write, design and execute test procedures and verification plans in both electrical and mechanical design spaces in conjunction with your team's test specialists.
• Design and conduct process qualifications using design of experiments and statistical process control
• Work seamlessly with supply chain and production partners to complete design for manufacturing (DFM) changes necessary to meet factory rates and costs.
• Complete review of on orbit performance data and respond with manufacturing and design solutions.
• Work closely with the Materials Engineering team to develop novel solutions to space-based solar problems.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience (internships/co-ops experience accepted) with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with solar array design and/or solar manufacturing industry
• Experience with performance characterization of photovoltaic solar cells
• Experience in specifying and qualifying materials and components for space flight
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control and process qualification
• Proficient in analyzing mechanical assemblies using hand calculations and FEA
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Proficient in dynamic and thermal analysis
• Proficient in GD&T
• Familiar with a wide variety of manufacturing processes and automation for composites, soft goods, adhesives and metals: welding, brazing, fastening, riveting, bonding, lamination, soldering etc.

Additional Requirements

• This is a hands-on position that requires one to be on their feet for up to 4+ hours a day. Will sometimes be working directly with the hardware on the floor and will have to be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Preferential ability to travel internationally if needed

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.