Satellite Engineer, Harness Design (Starshield)

As a Satellite Engineer, Harness Design at SpaceX, you will be responsible for the design, integration, and testing of the satellite's avionics interconnection systems, ensuring reliable and efficient communication. You'll work on system interconnect schematics, manage configurations, and collaborate with multiple teams to maintain power and network connectivity for the Starshield project, which plays a critical role in national security.

To qualify for the Satellite Engineer, Harness Design position at SpaceX, candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or a relevant engineering discipline, along with at least 1 year of experience in electro-mechanical wire harness design. Ideal candidates will also have experience with CAD software and the ability to work on complex systems in dynamic environments.

SpaceX prefers candidates who have experience in harness design within industries like aerospace, automotive, or marine, especially with complex requirements or environmental considerations. Familiarity with Siemens NX and Teamcenter can be beneficial, alongside skills in developing manufacturing procedures and documentation for satellite systems.

The design process for satellite harnesses at SpaceX involves meticulous attention to detail. Engineers define system designs, develop interconnect schematics, and create designs with a focus on reliability and performance. You'll also need to consider factors such as thermal, vibration, and shock environments, ensuring that each harness meets rigorous flight criteria through analysis and testing.

SpaceX supports career growth for Satellite Engineers by providing exposure to multidisciplinary projects that foster skill development and innovation. Employees have access to mentorship, on-the-job training, and opportunities to work on critical space missions that promote personal and professional advancement within the company.

In your response, outline specific projects where you've led wire harness design efforts. Highlight any software or tools you used, challenges faced, and how you ensured designs were efficient and met performance standards.

Discuss your method for ensuring fault tolerance within satellite systems. You could mention techniques you've implemented to identify potential failure points and how you've optimized designs to maintain system functionality even when components do not perform as expected.

Mention proficiency in specific CAD software, such as Siemens NX. Describe how you've used CAD tools to create designs and models, including the steps taken during the design process to ensure accuracy and efficiency in harness creation.

Provide an example of a project where collaboration with different engineering disciplines was crucial. Emphasize your role in facilitating communication and ensuring that all team members were aligned with project goals and requirements.

Explain the processes you utilize to evaluate designs against flight criteria, including thermal and vibration tests. Discuss any previous experiences where you successfully navigated testing phases to validate designs.

Discuss techniques you implement for effective task management, such as setting priorities based on urgency and impact, using project management tools, and maintaining open communication with your team to stay on track.

Share your perspective on the challenges faced in satellite harness design, such as complex configurations, minimizing weight, or ensuring reliability under extreme conditions. Provide examples of how you've addressed these challenges in the past.

Talk about specific methodologies you've employed to create error-proof designs, such as extensive testing, peer reviews, and employing simulation tools during the design process to catch potential errors before implementation.

Illustrate your approach to managing design changes, emphasizing the importance of communication among stakeholders, the impact assessment of changes, and how you adjust timelines and resources accordingly.

Share your passion for aerospace and your interest in contributing to space exploration efforts. Highlight any personal motivation, such as a lifelong fascination with space or the desire to contribute to innovative technology that substantially impacts national security.