Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink)

The Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink) at SpaceX is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining advanced manufacturing processes, machinery, and technologies. This includes working on tools and equipment like laser drilling machines and automation cells. You will analyze production processes from a physics-based approach, lead Design of Experiments (DOE), and work hand-in-hand with a team to resolve technical and emergent issues in manufacturing, ultimately improving product quality and efficiency.

To be considered for the Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink) role at SpaceX, you will need a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least one year of experience in mechanical or electromechanical design. Though less experience is acceptable, candidates with a Master’s degree, along with hands-on project experience in complex production systems, will be preferred. Also, experience with PCB manufacturing processes is highly beneficial.

Yes, the Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink) position may require travel to other SpaceX sites or vendors, including international travel. Candidates should be prepared for potentially extended periods of travel to collaborate with teams and support the overall mission of product development and manufacturing.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer at SpaceX, particularly in the Starlink project, you would work in a fast-paced and innovative environment that fosters collaboration and problem-solving. The culture is focused on pushing technological boundaries and achieving extraordinary results as a team. You will be surrounded by driven professionals who are motivated by the same vision of enabling human life on Mars and improving global internet access.

SpaceX strongly believes in internal growth and promoting team members who show exceptional capabilities. As a Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink), you will have opportunities to lead projects, manage teams, and take on greater responsibilities. The hands-on experience and exposure to large-scale projects will provide a rich environment to develop your skills and advance your career within the company.

When responding to this question, focus on relevant projects where you actively contributed to mechanical design in production settings. Highlight specific technologies or equipment you’ve worked with and how that experience aligns with the responsibilities at SpaceX, especially in PCB manufacturing or similar environments.

Discuss the importance of data analysis and root cause investigation in your optimization strategies. Explain your experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and any specific methodologies you've implemented to enhance process stability or product yield.

Provide examples of how you've successfully managed time and resources in previous roles. Explain your approach to prioritization based on project impact, deadlines, and team collaboration, emphasizing efficient time management.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your problem-solving skills. Focus on a relevant example where you overcame a technical obstacle—explain what you learned and how that experience would help you at SpaceX.

Be specific about your DOE experience, detailing how you've utilized it in previous projects. Discuss the objectives you aimed to achieve, the processes involved, and the outcomes of your experiments to demonstrate your analytical skills.

Discuss your analytical approach by considering technological requirements, production capacity goals, and process efficiency. Share any relevant prior experiences to show how you leverage innovation in equipment design to meet production demands.

Emphasize important aspects such as equipment reliability, maintenance needs, and overall efficiency. Discuss how you use data analysis and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in the manufacturing process.

Discuss the importance of creativity, technical proficiency, analytical skills, and collaboration when working in aerospace. Provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in your projects.

Highlight the significance of continuous improvement and collaboration in engineering. Describe your process for gathering feedback, analyzing it, and iterating on designs to enhance manufacturing outcomes.

Share your passion for innovation and your alignment with SpaceX’s mission to explore beyond Earth. Focus on how the specific challenges of the Mechanical Design Engineer (Starlink) role excite you and how your goals align with the company’s objectives.