Electric Propulsion Engineer, Mechanical - (Starlink)

As a mechanical engineer within the Starlink electric propulsion team you will own the end-to-end design, analysis, test, build and on-orbit life cycle of the propulsion hardware. You will get to oversee a critical system at the heart of the satellite, as you work cross functionally with plasma physics experts, avionics engineers, and electrical engineers to develop propulsion hardware (thrusters, cathodes, regulators and the fluid feed system).  

• → Solve complex mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and fluid system problems on the space grade hardware that enables our satellites to move in space
• → Own hardware from conceptual design through high volume production and on-orbit operation for the Starlink constellation
• → Work closely with partner domains including thermal, materials, electrical, mechanical, software and GNC groups
• → 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
• → 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 vacuum chamber tests, performance characterization, and environmental tests on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance to design criteria
• → Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, analysis, assembly, launch, and on-orbit performance
• → Perform root cause investigations to understand failures and disposition hardware non-conformances
• → Demonstrate extreme ownership of product outcomes at every stage of development and production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• → Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• → Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• → 1+ years of industry experience (internships/co-ops can apply)

• 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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.