Sr. Mechanical Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

About the role

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world's largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance mechanical systems including large deployable solar, large radiators, and in space fluid distribution. We will build these satellites at a scale that far exceeds even Starlink.

We are seeking talented Mechanical Engineers to own the full lifecycle of the hardware that make Starmind possible.

We will be developing

• Large, fluid-based deployable radiator
• Biggest deployable solar arrays flown on SpaceX satellites
• Packaging at high volume for compute trays
• Satellite mechanisms + other high power satellite payloads
• Optical and networking payloads

Responsibilities

• Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starmind constellation
• 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
• Design for extreme high volume - 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 environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and launch
• 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
• 5+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Some travel may occasionally be required

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.