Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Direct to Cell)

SR. MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (DIRECT TO CELL)

SpaceX is developing a breakthrough new Direct to Cell satellite network to bring ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with telecommunication companies around the world to bring this service directly from satellites to existing cell phones, with the goal of providing coverage anywhere a phone can see the sky. You can learn more about this recently announced effort here.

We are seeking experienced and driven mechanical engineers to join us in making this vision a reality and solve a wide range of novel engineering challenges to architect a large antenna payload. In this role, you will engage in both detailed and system level design of a wide array of projects.

Senior Design engineers have an impact from the beginning of project development throughout the entire product life cycle of dynamic mechanical assemblies, electrical/mechanical integration, PCB mechanical/thermal/electrical packaging, harnessing and top-level satellite CAD/drawings. As an extension to detailed problem solving, Direct to Cell design engineers will also execute varying levels of analysis to support their work across the vehicle ranging from hand calculations to finite element analysis. In addition to the many responsibilities, you will be a part of a cross-disciplinary team collaborating to solve an incredible variety of problems, while developing your skills across the engineering spectrum.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Iterate through projects by designing, prototyping, testing, and qualifying mechanical assemblies to support the development of the Direct to Cell system.
• Partner with other cross-disciplinary teams to design novel payload electrical/mechanical interfaces at scales ranging from the full satellite and antenna array, down to detailed mechanical PCB interfaces.
• Collaborate with both internal and external manufacturing partners to bring new projects and technologies into production at an economical and large scale.
• Perform mechanical analysis and 1st principles analysis support for trades related to new mechanical designs.
• Demonstrate extreme ownership of responsibilities and accountability for the outcomes of design, development, testing, and flight efforts.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience using computer aided drafting (CAD) software (e.g. NX, CATIA, or ProE) and finite element analysis (FEA) to design and evaluate mechanical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Strong experience using CAD for both modeling and GD&T compliant manufacturing drawings
• Project and/or research-based experience conducting detailed thermal or mechanical analysis with FEA software (e.g. ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, etc.)
• Experience in mechatronics or other cross disciplinary combination of mechanical, electrical, and software skill sets
• Prior analytical programming experience (Python, Matlab, C/C++, Excel, etc.)
• Basic understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals
• Interest in working at a nimble engineering organization that requires a scrappy, entrepreneurial approach to accomplish tasks within time & budget constraints
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with an enthusiasm for problem-solving