SpaceX
Mechanical Engineer - Optical, Satellites (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop optical hardware for Starlink satellites, including precision pointing mechanisms, laser communication terminals, and imaging payloads. You will own mechanical designs from conception through production and on-orbit operation, working across structural analysis, actuator design, electronics integration, and manufacturing.
What you'll do
- Design precision mechanisms including gimbals, flexures, and launch-lock hardware with defined pointing and stiffness requirements
- Perform structural analysis (static, modal, vibration, shock) and develop load paths for laser terminals and imaging payloads
- Integrate electronics into flight hardware including PCBA packaging, thermal interfaces, and connectors
- Drive rapid design iteration and manufacturability optimization for both high-volume and deep-space hardware
- Define and execute development, qualification, and environmental testing including thermal vacuum and vibration
- Lead root-cause investigations on mechanical and production issues and manage program timeline from design through launch
What they're looking for
- 3D CAD modeling and GD&T (NX preferred)
- Structural analysis and finite element analysis (FEA)
- Precision actuator and gimbal design
- Electro-mechanical integration and PCBA packaging
- Environmental testing and data acquisition
- Manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, additive, casting)
- Design for manufacturability and production ramp support
- Problem-solving in fast-paced, mission-critical environments
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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
- Describe a precision mechanism or gimbal you designed—what were the key requirements and how did you validate pointing accuracy?
- Walk us through your experience taking a mechanical assembly from initial design through production ramp. What challenges did you encounter?