Mechanical Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

About the role

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make a future where humanity is out exploring the stars possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SpaceX is leveraging its 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.

Responsibilities

• Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists
• Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms
• Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems
• Operate test stands with great attention to detail
• Develop test requirements with the flight engineering team, develop a design solution that meets or exceeds those requirements, and drive the campaign to closure

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and 1+ years of industry experience (co-ops/internships can apply)

Skills

• Involvement with an extracurricular project team designing and building mechanical structures and/or high-pressure systems
• Professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures
• Experience with hydraulic, thermal, structural, electromechanical, high pressure, and vacuum systems
• Experience with basic test instrumentation and control components
• Experience with Unigraphics (NX) and finite element analysis (FEA)
• Experience with steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis
• Experience with high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) fluid system design and analysis
• Experience working with lithium-ion batteries
• Demonstrated understanding of structural and mechanical first principles analysis
• Demonstrated full-cycle ownership of a hardware project from concept to implementation
• Hands-on experience with testing, data acquisition, and troubleshooting issues
• Hands-on design and fabrication experience
• Basic programming skills (Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS preferred)

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 25% to other SpaceX sites
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)
• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed
• Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

Pay

Development Test Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year, Development Test Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

Benefits

Long-term incentives, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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 to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.