POWER COMPONENTS MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 4M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

The Satellite Power Team is responsible for the design of high-performance solar arrays, batteries, and power transmission components for the entire Starlink satellite fleet. As a power components engineer, you will fully own complex hardware from cradle to grave including system sizing, design, development, analysis, qualification, production, integration, and operation. You will also interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases, ultimately ushering in the next era of the internet and delivering connectivity to those who need it most.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the responsible engineer and extreme owner for the design, analysis, fabrication, qualification, and flight operation of solar arrays, solar array deploy mechanisms, batteries, and other electromechanical components.
• Perform in-depth first principles analysis and FEA to assess and optimize designs.
• Proficient use of computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and hand calculations.
• Drive conceptual design, design criteria definition and component level trades.
• Hold design reviews internally, participate in reviews with suppliers and customers.
• Drive technology improvements; work with engineers and teams across the company to ensure success of components.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, math, engineering or STEM discipline.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated expertise in design, CAD, FEA, GD&T, defining test plans, designing test setups, and executing hardware environmental qualification tests.
• Power components domain knowledge (i.e. solar cell fundamentals, battery monitoring techniques, battery and/or solar cell failure modes and failure mitigation).
• Hands-on experience with mechanism/structures design, prototyping, and precision mechanical assembly.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
• Experience running fast paced, integrated, development/qualification test campaigns.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to work well in an integrated team including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, managers, and suppliers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones.