Mechanical Engineer, Satellite Payload

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago Trusted

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$100,000–$117,500 / yr
Posted
72 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $162k
This role $109k
$90k most similar roles pay here $198k

This role pays less than 93% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$187,250 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $109k versus about $162k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Mechanical Engineer, Satellite Payload

Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Payload (Starlink) joins the satellite payload group to solve complex structural, thermal, and electromechanical problems for space-grade hardware. This role involves owning the full design lifecycle from ideation and analysis through manufacturing and high-volume production for the Starlink constellation. The engineer will work on phased array antennas, gimballing parabolic antennas, actuators, and mechanisms while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance. Key responsibilities include developing design criteria, performing environmental testing, and driving design for manufacturing to reduce part counts. Required skills include a bachelor's degree in engineering, experience with CAD and FEA software, and proficiency in 3D CAD tools like NX. Candidates should possess knowledge of GD&T, material selection, and structural analysis while addressing the technical challenges of building high-speed internet infrastructure through advanced satellite hardware components.

What does a Mechanical Engineer earn?

Median $150000 from 64 postings across 16 companies.

See salary data

What you'll do

  • Manage hardware ownership from initial conceptual design through high-volume production and on-orbit operation.
  • Develop design criteria and collaborate on requirements to drive system-level optimization.
  • Perform rapid iterations on designs and analysis to inform systems trades and product direction.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to reduce part counts and error-proof fabrication processes.
  • Establish efficient product lifecycles that balance cost, complexity, and quality across the supply chain.
  • Conduct environmental and performance testing to validate analysis and ensure compliance with design criteria.
  • Manage product delivery timelines through every stage of conception, assembly, and launch.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
  • At least 1 year of professional experience in mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing.
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis is preferred.
  • At least 2 years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead.
  • Experience with CAD (NX preferred) and FEA software packages.
  • Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.

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