Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical - Starlink

ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER, MECHANICAL - (STARLINK)

As a mechanical engineer within the Starlink electric propulsion team, you will own the end-to-end design, analysis, test, build, and on-orbit life cycle of the propulsion hardware. You will get to oversee a critical system at the heart of the satellite, as you work cross-functionally with plasma physics experts, avionics engineers, and electrical engineers to develop propulsion hardware (thrusters, cathodes, regulators, and the fluid feed system).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Solve complex mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and fluid system problems on the space-grade hardware that enables our satellites to move in space.
• Own hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starlink constellation.
• Work closely with partner domains including thermal, materials, electrical, mechanical, software, and GNC groups.
• 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.
• 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 vacuum chamber tests, performance characterization, and environmental tests on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria.
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, analysis, assembly, launch, and on-orbit performance.
• Perform root cause investigations to understand failures and disposition hardware non-conformances.
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 1+ years of industry experience (internships/co-ops can apply).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing electric or chemical propulsion systems in an industry or lab environment.
• Previous experience and ownership of the full product life cycle in a high-rate production environment.
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling.
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.).
• Experience with structural and electromagnetic finite element analysis.
• 1+ years of experience with GD&T concepts.
• Experience with Python and MATLAB; familiarity with SQL and Metabase.
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations and design considerations.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Pay range:
• Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
• Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/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.
• Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
• Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.