SpaceX 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.
NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, MECHANICAL - '26/'27 (STARLINK/STARMIND)
Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to serve populations with little or no connectivity. We design, build, launch, and operate the world's largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations. Starlink also designs, builds, and delivers high-volume consumer hardware that allows users to connect to these satellites within minutes of unboxing, as well as our advanced gateways that we deploy regionally throughout the world. The root of SpaceX’s success so far lies in our mission to keep all engineering and production in-house, which enables a tight feedback loop, nimble decision-making, and speedy deliverables. With millions of daily users worldwide already online, Starlink is a true game-changer and levels the playing field for those who were previously unconnected.
Starmind is a new constellation of satellites that will deliver AI compute capability from space while being totally unburdened by Earth’s grid, land, and cooling constraints. These satellites will deploy the largest solar array ever flown by SpaceX and fly in sun-synchronous orbit, will feature a modular system architecture capable of flying the most powerful AI chips, and will beam AI results back to Earth through Starlink’s high-speed laser links. Starmind sits at the absolute cutting edge of the space and AI industries.
The Bastrop site is the fastest growing site at SpaceX. With millions of square feet of manufacturing space and counting, this site is currently responsible for the development and production of all terrestrial hardware and next-generation satellite technology.
Below are a number of mechanical teams that are eager to hire top engineering talent at the new graduate level:
- Product Design – Own Starlink consumer hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production and public launch to our end users across enterprise, commercial, residential, and roam sectors
- Gateway Design – Own Starlink ground station hardware from conceptual design through production, deployment, and operation on a global scale
- Satellite Design – Own Starmind satellite hardware from conceptual design through production and orbital deployment
- Process – Develop and implement advanced manufacturing processes spanning PCB fabrication, silicon packaging, solar-cell processing etc., ultimately cementing SpaceX as one of the leading in-house manufacturing entities in the United States
- Manufacturing & Tooling - Design production lines and tools capable of producing tens of thousands of units each day while continuously seeking to improve our processes, output, and yield
- Reliability – Spearhead failure analysis and root cause efforts while partnering with design and production teams to ensure that all hardware that leaves our factory is successful and reliable in the real world
- Controls - Lead creative, multi-disciplinary projects spanning machine design, robotics, motion systems, and factory health monitoring to form the innovative, high-rate factories that allow us to deliver internet to those that need it most
- Facilities – Ensure the safety and efficiency of our mechanical systems by improving various factory systems site-wide, including HVAC, plumbing, building structures, and construction systems that will turn Bastrop into a state-of-the-art engineering campus
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own Starlink/Starmind hardware from conceptual design through high-volume production
- Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
- Design and develop the production lines that manufacture your product, including robot end effector design, process development, control system design, automation programming, and more
- Refine the production system to create high-rate, high-yield, and reliable processes
- Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability
- Troubleshoot mechanical system problems, formulate maintenance protocols, service schedules, and coordinate material procurement for machinery upkeep
- Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another STEM discipline
- 1+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internships/co-ops and club projects are applicable)
- Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
- Experience with CAD and/or finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
- Experience with Six Sigma and basic failure analysis tools and methods (X-ray, cross-section, polishing)
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
- Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
