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.
SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance mechanical systems including large deployable solar, large radiators, and in space fluid distribution. We will build these satellites at a scale that far exceeds even Starlink.
We are seeking talented Mechanical Engineers to own the full lifecycle of the hardware that make Starmind possible.
We will be developing
- Large, fluid-based deployable radiator
- Biggest deployable solar arrays flown on SpaceX satellites
- Packaging at high volume for compute trays
- Satellite mechanisms + other high power satellite payloads
- Optical and networking payloads
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starmind constellation
- 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
- Design for extreme high volume - 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 environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
- Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and launch
- Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
- 5+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
- 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
- Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
- Solid understanding and application of GD&T
- Demonstrated understanding of 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
- Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
- Some travel may occasionally be required
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
- Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
- 5+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing
- Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
- Must meet ITAR eligibility (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required State Department authorizations)
- Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
- 5+ years hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
- Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
- Solid understanding and application of GD&T
- Demonstrated understanding of 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
- Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills; self-motivated
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.
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