Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink Ground Antennas)

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (STARLINK GROUND ANTENNAS)

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 4M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, ground station gateways, and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing.   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 globe.

Starlink Ground Antennas (Gateways) are responsible for delivering internet from the ground to satellites – they must be high-precision, low-cost, high-performance in all weather conditions (from the Artic Circle to the Desert), and ultra-reliable over long periods of time. As a mechanical engineer on Gateways, you will holistically own complex hardware and system design for these ground stations. The mechanical team is responsible for the design of everything from cutting-edge composites and manufacturing technology, state-of-the-art RF vacuum electronics, to high precision pointing and actuation systems.  The role encompasses design, analysis, and hands-on manufacturing disciplines, with the ability to spearhead change at the inception of product development, through production, to deployment and operations. Come join this high-performing team in designing and building out he world’s largest network of ground stations!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and ground station deployment and operation
• Rapidly iterate on designs, analysis and test to inform high level system trades and steer overall product direction
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
• 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
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production 
• Work with partner teams to develop novel manufacturing procedures

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience designing, building and testing hardware
• Experience with CAD and/or Finite Element Analysis software packages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience designing and testing RF or antenna hardware
• Experience with fast-paced hardware development for high-reliability applications
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• Knowledge and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components
• Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Able to communicate complex concepts, problems, and solutions clearly and effectively to all levels within the organization

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work, as needed 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:        
Pay range:

Mechanical Design Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 – $115,000.00/per year 
Mechanical Design Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 – $130,000.00/per year             

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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.