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 DESIGN ENGINEER, PCB (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging our experience building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation and most advanced broadband internet system. We provide reliable and fast internet to millions of users worldwide, including populations with little or no connectivity, rural communities, aircraft, watercraft, and places where existing services are unreliable, too expensive, or disconnected by natural disasters. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, thousands of satellites and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. The Starlink team is seeking out the best-in-class professionals to maximize Starlink’s potential for communities and businesses around the globe.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer on Starlink, you will own high impact projects that enable mass production of printed circuit boards. You will design custom tooling and machinery for production processes that range from manual to highly automated. You will own various projects from initial design to installation and mass production.
Your work will form the backbone for millions of next generation consumer-facing devices that we ship directly to customers and businesses all over the world. From private homes, RVs, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in leveling the playing field for high-speed connectivity.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and develop structures, mechanisms, and automation equipment to enable high volume production of printed circuit boards.
- Demonstrate extreme ownership of projects through their lifecycle, from initial concept generation through fabrication and production bring-up
- Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and execution and efficiency
- Understand Design of Manufacturability and Assembly specific to PCBs, including panelization, fiducials, keep-out zones, and component placement constraints.
- Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis of implementation of new processes or machines
- Organize project coordination with internal SpaceX resources and external vendors to maintain project timelines and budgets
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience designing mechanical systems using 3D CAD software, FEA, and 2D drawing.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Prior work experience with structural design and analysis
- Experience with custom machine design, electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, end of arm tooling design, lifting/rigging, etc.
- Strong expertise in design for manufacturability and design for assembly including experience taking products from development to high-volume production.
- Understanding of drafting standards and the application of GD&T
- Experience with Siemens Unigraphics (UGS/NX) and Teamcenter CAD/PDM Systems
- Experience with manufacturing process development, facility and line layouts, process failure mode effects analysis, and error proofing
- Understanding of PCB fabrication and assembly processes
- Experience with mechanical fixturing and automation for high volume PCB lines
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for potentially extended periods of time including international
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
- Willing to work onsite; remote work is not considered
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].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years designing mechanical systems using 3D CAD, FEA, and 2D drawing
- Understanding of design for manufacturability and assembly specific to PCBs (panelization, fiducials, keep-out zones)
- Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors, potentially for extended periods including international travel
- Ability to lift 25 lbs unassisted and perform physical tasks (lifting, standing, climbing, bending, etc.)
- Willing to work onsite; remote work is not considered
- ITAR eligibility (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible for required Department of State authorizations)
- Prior work experience with structural design and analysis
- Experience with custom machine design and electromechanical systems (motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, EoAT)
- Experience with Siemens Unigraphics (UGS/NX) and Teamcenter CAD/PDM systems
- Understanding and application of GD&T and drafting standards
- Experience with manufacturing process development, facility/line layouts, PFMEA, and error proofing
- Experience with mechanical fixturing and automation for high-volume PCB lines
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
