Mechanical Engineer, Aviation Hardware (Starlink)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

5,001-10,000 employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

As a Mechanical Engineer on the Aviation Hardware Team at SpaceX, you will be responsible for the design, qualification, and production of flight hardware for aircraft installations. This role involves close collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure the successful delivery of high-reliability hardware that enhances airborne connectivity through the Starlink system.

Responsibilities

• Own hardware from conceptual design through production and operation for aircraft installations
• Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
• Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment
• Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high level systems trades and steer overall product direction
• Lead design reviews and work with FAA designees to certify components and systems
• Generate detailed production drawings using GD&T and performing a tolerance stackup analysis
• 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 with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience applies)

Nice-to-haves

• 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
• Knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout and PCBA mechanical design
• Experience with design of experiments, statistical process control, and process qualification

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 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
• 5 days of sick leave per year
• Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan