Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, PCB (Starlink/Starmind)

About the role

SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system.

We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing.

The Starlink team is seeking out the best-in-class professionals to maximize Starlink's potential for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer on Starlink, you will own high impact projects that enable mass production of printed circuit boards. You will design custom tooling and machinery for production processes that range from manual to highly automated. You will own various projects from initial design to installation and mass production.

Your work will form the backbone for millions of next generation consumer-facing devices that we ship directly to customers and businesses all over the world. From private homes, RVs, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in leveling the playing field for high-speed connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop structures, mechanisms, and automation equipment to enable high volume production of printed circuit boards.
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of projects through their lifecycle, from initial concept generation through fabrication and production bring-up
• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and execution and efficiency
• Understand Design of Manufacturability and Assembly specific to PCBs, including panelization, fiducials, keep-out zones, and component placement constraints.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis of implementation of new processes or machines
• Organize project coordination with internal SpaceX resources and external vendors to maintain project timelines and budgets

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience designing mechanical systems using 3D CAD software, FEA, and 2D drawing.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Prior work experience with structural design and analysis
• 5+ years of experience with custom machine design, electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, end of arm tooling design, lifting/rigging, etc.
• Strong expertise in design for manufacturability and design for assembly including experience taking products from development to high-volume production.
• Understanding of drafting standards and the application of GD&T
• Experience with Siemens Unigraphics (UGS/NX) and Teamcenter CAD/PDM Systems
• Experience with manufacturing process development, facility and line layouts, process failure mode effects analysis, and error proofing
• Understanding of PCB fabrication and assembly processes
• Experience with mechanical fixturing and automation for high volume PCB lines

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for potentially extended periods of time including international
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Willing to work onsite; remote work is not considered

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.