Join SpaceX as a Senior Mechanical Engineer to develop innovative satellite technologies for AI compute in space.
Skills & Technologies
Requirements
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- Sponsorship available
Joblaze summary
In this role, the Senior Mechanical Engineer will oversee the entire lifecycle of hardware for SpaceX's Starmind satellite constellation, focusing on the design and production of advanced mechanical systems like deployable solar arrays and fluid distribution mechanisms. Proficiency in CAD and FEA software, along with extensive experience in mechanical design and analysis, is essential for success. This position is ideal for seasoned engineers with a strong background in complex mechanical systems and a track record of leading projects from conception to high-volume production. SpaceX's innovative environment demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration across teams.
Joblaze insights
- Listed 5 days ago on Joblaze — tracked directly from SpaceX's career page.
- SpaceX has 2055 other open roles including Avionics Technician (Falcon & Dragon), Full Stack Software Engineer, Manufacturing, Global Operations Lead (Tax Technology).
- 130 active Mechanical Engineering roles on Joblaze right now.
- 111 active CAD roles on Joblaze right now.
- 45 active FEA roles on Joblaze right now.
- Typical CAD salary we track runs $100,000–$100,000 (median $100,000, across 46 roles).
Quick facts
- How much experience is required?
- At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Sr. Mechanical Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind) role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Mechanical Engineering, FEA, GD&T, CAD.
- Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
- Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Sr. Mechanical Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind) role at SpaceX.
From the original posting
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.