Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical - (Starlink)

About the role

As a mechanical engineer within the Starlink electric propulsion team, you will own the end-to-end design, analysis, test, build, and on-orbit life cycle of the propulsion hardware. You will oversee a critical system at the heart of the satellite, working cross-functionally with plasma physics experts, avionics engineers, and electrical engineers to develop propulsion hardware (thrusters, cathodes, regulators, and the fluid feed system).

Responsibilities

• Solve complex mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and fluid system problems on space-grade hardware that enables satellites to move in space.
• Own hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starlink constellation.
• Work closely with partner domains including thermal, materials, electrical, mechanical, software, and GNC groups.
• 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.
• 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 through final integration, balancing cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line.
• Perform vacuum chamber tests, performance characterization, and environmental tests on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria.
• Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, analysis, assembly, launch, and on-orbit performance.
• Perform root cause investigations to understand failures and disposition hardware non-conformances.
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 1+ years of industry experience (internships/co-ops can apply).
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support mission-critical milestones.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing electric or chemical propulsion systems in an industry or lab environment.
• Previous experience and ownership of the full product life cycle in a high-rate production environment (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse).
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling.
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.).
• Experience with structural and electromagnetic finite element analysis.
• 1+ years of experience with GD&T concepts.
• Experience with Python and MATLAB; familiarity with SQL and Metabase.
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations and design considerations.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc., and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA).

Pay

• Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year.
• Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick time (for employees in Washington State, in compliance with state and federal law).
• Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.