Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER SATELLITES (STARLINK)

At SpaceX were leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink the worlds most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the worlds largest satellite constellation and is providing fast reliable internet to 7M 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. Weve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlinks potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlinks utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

The Mechanical Development Test Engineer is responsible for designing analyzing and building mechanical test equipment for SpaceXs Starlink program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design build and analyze mechanical structural thermal high pressure and vacuum systems for satellite component and assembly-level testing
• Develop test requirements with flight engineering team develop a design solution that meets or exceeds those requirements and drive the campaign to closure
• Perform structural vibration/modal and thermal analysis using hand calculations and FEA
• Design piece parts manage CAD assemblies and create engineering drawings for part fabrication and inspection using GD&T
• Design build and activate data acquisition systems and automated control systems for satellite test equipment
• Operate test assets with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer)
• Create and modify software applications to run data acquisition and control systems
• Work closely with teams of technicians and vendors to ensure theyre executing
• Supervise system level builds including fabrication mechanical assembly and data/control systems by working with technicians and vendors

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline
• 1 years of professional experience designing/analyzing mechanical structures and/or electrical control systems (Internship/co-op experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with the design build and test of hydraulic thermal structural electromechanical high pressure and vacuum systems
• 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
• Experience using test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers thermocouples RTDs strain gauges accelerometers flow meters load cells relays solenoid valves and encoders
• Proficiency with Siemens NX or equivalent 3D CAD modeling software
• Proficiency with programming and automation/scripting languages (Python SQL Matlab)
• Experience working with lithium-ion batteries and designing/implementing cell schedules and fixturing
• Hands-on experience with common manufacturing processes and shop machines including mills lathes manual and CNC

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and some weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95000.00 - $115000.00/per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110000.00 - $130000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and 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. You will also receive access to 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. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race color religion gender national origin/ethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.