Mechanical Engineer (Starlink Optical)

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARLINK OPTICAL)  

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the world.

We are seeking Mechanical Engineers to own development of major mechanical subsystems across our optical hardware platform. This is a role reserved for engineers who demonstrate exceptional technical depth, ownership, and execution capability. You will drive mechanical challenges from first principles through production ramp, influencing subsystem architecture and ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Own mechanical development of major subsystems from concept through production, including requirements definition, design, analysis, prototyping, and ramp support
• Design precision electro-mechanical assemblies with rigorous tolerance control across optical, electrical, and mechanical interfaces
• Drive design-for-manufacturability and design-for-automation decisions with minimal oversight, ensuring mechanical designs support automated assembly, precision placement, and high-yield production
• Identify mechanical risks early and define validation strategies to retire them, including test fixture specification and prototype validation planning
• Contribute meaningfully to system-level architecture discussions, influencing packaging strategy, interface definitions, and cross-domain trade-offs with optical, electrical, and thermal stakeholders
• Establish and maintain mechanical design documentation, including detailed drawings with GD&T, specifications, and engineering change records
• Support root-cause investigation of mechanical failures across prototype, validation, and production stages, driving corrective action back into design guidelines

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages 
• Experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline 
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, 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
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
• Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

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

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.  

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  [email protected].