Mechanical Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

About the role

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, including:

• Large, fluid-based deployable radiators
• Biggest deployable solar arrays flown on SpaceX satellites
• Packaging at high volume for compute trays
• Satellite mechanisms and 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• 1+ years of professional experience (including internships) with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines
• Some travel may occasionally be required
• 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 Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands-on project 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