Mechanical Engineer, Optical & Space Lasers Manufacturing (Starlink)

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Optical & Space Lasers Manufacturing (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is 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.

Engineers on this team must have a working knowledge of design, manufacturing, testing, and flight. A successful mechanical engineer demonstrates engineering intuition, critical thinking, and is comfortable working under ambiguous requirements with minimal oversight. Combining these skills, engineers will face challenges across a wide variety of products and subassemblies. The team is frequently asked to tackle new, inter‑departmental development projects, with the ultimate goal of delivering the optical assemblies required for our satellites to achieve their mission.

Responsibilities

Manage integration build flow and test operations

Evaluate proposed designs for manufacturability and integration

Translate design requirements into test procedures

Design fixtures, mechanisms, fluid systems and other hardware to support safe, efficient, and reliable testing of satellite systems

Create detailed documentation for test systems including engineering drawings and schematics

Utilize hand calculations and tools such as FEA to inform and validate design decisions

Interface with engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing, testing, and automation

Develop and refine testing and manufacturing assembly procedures based on lessons learned

Enable day‑to‑day execution of product integration and test flow

Evaluate non‑conformances to determine root cause and create actionable items and system improvements

Work with upstream and downstream partner teams to drive improvements at the system level

Review data to understand and validate performance of manufacturing and test systems

Balance multiple high‑priority projects through effective time management and communication

Demonstrate extreme ownership of all project phases from initial concept to final commissioning and operation

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another engineering discipline

1+ years of professional mechanical design or hands‑on manufacturing experience (internships/co‑ops and club projects can apply)

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or another engineering discipline

Experience with integration and testing of optical, mechanical, propulsion, thermal, electrical, and/or structural systems

Experience working in a laboratory or industrial setting requiring hands‑on work, attention to detail, and high regard for safety

Knowledge of common manufacturing processes; hands‑on experience machining parts using standard equipment such as mills, lathes, CNC machines

Experience with optical and opto‑mechanical hardware and systems

Basic understanding of industrial electrical, control, and instrumentation systems

Basic proficiency with Python or another programming language

Documentation and configuration management experience

Experience writing test plans and procedures and providing go/no‑go judgment and rationale

Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter CAD/PDM systems

Experience applying GD&T

Demonstrated engineering intuition, critical thinking, and comfort with ambiguity

Experience working effectively across multi‑disciplinary teams

Desire to work in a fast‑paced environment

Additional Requirements

Some travel to launch sites may be required as needed, up to 10%

Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range:

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00

Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

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, 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 round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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.

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Worksite address

redmond, WA, 98052, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.