Mechanical Design Engineer, Consumer Hardware (Starlink)

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, Consumer Hardware at SpaceX, you will own the entire lifecycle of Starlink consumer hardware, from conceptual design to public launch. This includes developing design criteria, testing and iterating products for reliability, and designing production lines that manufacture your product. You'll also collaborate with various teams to ensure that production processes are efficient and meet high standards of quality.

To qualify for the Mechanical Design Engineer, Consumer Hardware position at SpaceX, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and at least one year of professional experience in mechanical design, analysis, or testing. Proficiency in CAD software is essential, and experience with manufacturing processes is a big plus. Advanced degrees and experience leading projects will enhance your application.

Preferred skills for the Mechanical Design Engineer, Consumer Hardware role at SpaceX include a master's degree in engineering, three or more years of professional experience with mechanical systems, and proficiency in 3D CAD tools, especially NX. A solid understanding of GD&T, mechanical fundamentals, and previous ownership of complex components from design to production are highly valued.

Mechanical Design Engineers at SpaceX will work on innovative consumer products for the Starlink system, which connects users around the globe to fast and reliable internet. Projects will range from designing hardware for consumer receivers to creating production systems that manufacture these components efficiently while meeting high volume demands.

The work environment for a Mechanical Design Engineer at SpaceX is dynamic and collaborative. You'll be surrounded by knowledgeable engineers who are passionate about space and technology. The role requires dedication, as long hours and weekends may be necessary to meet critical milestones, but the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technological advancements is incredibly rewarding.

When describing your approach to mechanical design projects, focus on emphasizing your problem-solving skills, detail-oriented nature, and collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams. Talk about how you gather and analyze requirements, set design criteria, and iterate on your designs based on testing and feedback.

In response to this question, detail your experience with specific CAD software, mentioning any projects where you utilized CAD to create detailed designs. Discuss any FEA tools you're familiar with, particularly how you've applied them in previous roles to validate designs against performance criteria.

Explain the strategies you implement to ensure reliability and performance, such as rigorous testing protocols, simulations, and field testing phases. Emphasize any experience you've had in previous roles where you had to iterate on designs based on performance assessments.

In discussing a complex project, highlight your leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Detail the project's objectives, the challenges presented, and how you coordinated with team members to overcome those hurdles successfully. Focus on the results you achieved and what you learned from the experience.

Talk about the importance of clear communication and regular updates when collaborating with manufacturing teams. Mention strategies such as involving them early in the design process, soliciting their input on design for manufacturability, and conducting joint reviews to ensure alignment.

Discuss your project management skills and tools you use to keep projects on track. Mention any software you utilize for scheduling and resource management and provide an example of how you've successfully met or exceeded project deadlines in the past.

When designing for manufacturability, consider factors such as material selection, ease of assembly, and production volume. Highlight your understanding of manufacturing processes and how you've applied this knowledge to simplify designs and reduce production costs in previous projects.

Provide an example where a design failure occurred and what steps you took to analyze and rectify the issue. Discuss how you used your understanding of failure modes to improve the design and the final outcome of the project.

Share your strategies for staying updated on mechanical engineering advancements, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, or being part of professional organizations. Mention any specific resources, books, or online courses you have found helpful.

Express your passion for aerospace technology and the excitement of contributing to innovative projects that have a significant global impact. Discuss how high-stakes environments drive you to excel and push boundaries in your engineering career.