Mechanical Engineer (Starlink Optical)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Own mechanical development of major subsystems from concept through production, including requirements definition, design, analysis, prototyping, and ramp support
• Design precision electro-mechanical assemblies with rigorous tolerance control across optical, electrical, and mechanical interfaces
• Drive design-for-manufacturability and design-for-automation decisions with minimal oversight, ensuring mechanical designs support automated assembly, precision placement, and high-yield production
• Identify mechanical risks early and define validation strategies to retire them, including test fixture specification and prototype validation planning
• Contribute meaningfully to system-level architecture discussions, influencing packaging strategy, interface definitions, and cross-domain trade-offs with optical, electrical, and thermal stakeholders
• Establish and maintain mechanical design documentation, including detailed drawings with GD&T, specifications, and engineering change records
• Support root-cause investigation of mechanical failures across prototype, validation, and production stages, driving corrective action back into design guidelines

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages 
• Experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

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