Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Solar Array, (Starlink)

Responsibilities

• Design and analysis of solar array components ranging from photovoltaic cells to integrated electro-mechanical solar array assemblies.
• Own and design various satellite mechanical systems and/or associated tooling specifically for the solar array sub-assembly.
• Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews. Demonstrate extreme ownership of the production outcome of the Starlink solar factory across yield, uptime, and cost.
• Work across disciplines with partner teams such as GNC, Avionics, Operations, and Payloads to achieve the best vehicle outcomes.
• Provide analytical rationale for design capability through hand calcs, and FEA where applicable.
• Complete engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications to define purchasing, manufacturing, and operational requirements.
• Write, design and execute test procedures and verification plans in both electrical and mechanical design spaces in conjunction with your team’s test specialists.
• Design and conduct process qualifications using design of experiments and statistical process control.
• Work seamlessly with supply chain and production partners to complete design for manufacturing (DFM) changes necessary to meet factory rates and costs.
• Complete review of on orbit performance data and respond with manufacturing and design solutions.
• Work closely with the Materials Engineering team to develop novel solutions to space-based solar problems.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience (internships/co-ops experience accepted) with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with solar array design and/or solar manufacturing industry
• Experience with performance characterization of photovoltaic solar cells
• Experience in specifying and qualifying materials and components for space flight
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control and process qualification
• Proficient in analyzing mechanical assemblies using hand calculations and FEA
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
• Proficient in dynamic and thermal analysis
• Proficient in GD&T
• Familiar with a wide variety of manufacturing processes and automation for composites, soft goods, adhesives and metals: welding, brazing, fastening, riveting, bonding, lamination, soldering etc.