The posting, in SpaceX's own words
archived Sep 9, 2026SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. SpaceX is looking to hire a satellite mechanical and mechanisms engineer to work with a brilliant and passionate team of engineers. You will own the design and development responsibilities over our complex mechanisms and mechanical systems. You will have the opportunity to work on the architecture, simulation, and controls of electromechanical systems for the world’s most cutting-edge satellites.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Own hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through volume production and on-orbit operations to support various customers’ needs 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 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 environmental and performance testing on hardware to validate analysis and demonstrate compliance with design criteria Own product delivery timeline through conception, design, assembly, and launch Own product outcomes at every stage of development and production
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BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM discipline Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting) 1+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis (internship and extracurricular experience are applicable)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance Knowledge and application of GD&T Own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Student Directed Research, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.) Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to meet mission-critical deadlines Ability to travel to SpaceX, vendors, customers, and partner locations as necessary An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing.
Pay range:
Level 1: $100,000 - $117,500 Level 2: $115,000 - $140,000 Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.