Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Solar Array (Starlink) Verified today

About the role

SpaceX is looking for a highly motivated engineer to join the Solar Product Team. You will design and implement the next generation of photovoltaic power systems for new Starlink satellite versions. This role is ultimately responsible for the design, qualification, production rate capability, and reliability of Starlink power generation assemblies used across multiple satellite payloads and vehicle architectures.

What you will do

• Design and analyse solar array components ranging from photovoltaic cells to integrated electro-mechanical solar array assemblies.
• Own design of various satellite mechanical systems and associated tooling for the solar array sub-assembly.
• Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews and demonstrate ownership of production outcomes across yield, uptime and cost.
• Work across disciplines with GNC, Avionics, Operations and Payloads teams to achieve the best vehicle outcomes.
• Provide analytical rationale for design capability through hand calculations and FEA.
• Complete engineering drawings, schematics and specifications to define purchasing, manufacturing and operational requirements.
• Write, design and execute test procedures and verification plans in electrical and mechanical design spaces.
• Design and conduct process qualifications using design of experiments and statistical process control.
• Work with supply chain and production partners to complete design for manufacturing changes to meet factory rates and costs.
• Review on-orbit performance data and respond with manufacturing and design solutions.
• Work closely with the Materials Engineering team to develop novel solutions to space-based solar problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional experience (internships and co-ops accepted) with mechanical or electromechanical design, analysis, testing and/or manufacturing.

Preferred skills and experience

• Experience with solar array design and/or solar manufacturing industry.
• Experience with performance characterisation of photovoltaic solar cells.
• Experience specifying and qualifying materials and components for space flight.
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control and process qualification.
• Proficiency in analysing mechanical assemblies using hand calculations and FEA.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX preferred).
• Proficiency in dynamic and thermal analysis.
• Proficiency in GD&T.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and automation including welding, brazing, fastening, riveting, bonding, lamination and soldering for composites, soft goods, adhesives and metals.

Working conditions

This is a hands-on position requiring you to be on your feet for up to 4+ hours a day, working directly with hardware on the floor. You must be comfortable stooping, bending and standing. You will be expected to work extended hours and weekends as necessary, and have preferential ability to travel internationally if needed.

Compensation

Pay range:

• Level 1: $100,000 - $135,000
• Level 2: $115,000 - $165,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education and experience.

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards), discretionary bonuses and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave and other discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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 for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR requirement

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