SpaceX
Mechanical Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Development Test Engineer to design, build, and operate test equipment for Starlink's next-generation satellite hardware. You'll create test stands, conduct development tests on structures and mechanisms, and collaborate with flight engineering teams to validate new designs in a fast-paced R&D environment.
What you'll do
- Design test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists
- Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms for satellite components
- Supervise test stand integration including fabrication, mechanical assembly, and data/control systems
- Operate test stands with meticulous attention to detail under tight performance margins
- Develop test requirements with flight engineering team and drive test campaigns to completion
- Conduct development testing on next-generation structures, components, and mechanisms
What they're looking for
- Mechanical design and structural analysis
- Test equipment design and fabrication
- Unigraphics (NX) CAD
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Hydraulic, thermal, and high-pressure fluid systems
- Test instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, strain gauges)
- Python, JavaScript, or HTML/CSS programming
- Weldment design and analysis
Benefits
- Competitive base salary ($100,000–$165,000 depending on level and experience)
- Long-term stock incentives and discretionary bonuses
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match eligibility
- 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays, paid parental leave
- Company shuttle service from Seattle locations to Redmond office
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Walk us through a mechanical design or test project you led from concept to completion—what challenges did you face and how did you resolve them?
- Describe your experience designing or analyzing high-pressure fluid systems, and what safety considerations you prioritized.