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.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER – SATELLITE ASSEMBLY

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink satellite constellation is our solution to providing reliable internet to the entire world. We are looking for a talented electro-mechanical technician to help establish new manufacturing and test processes and eventually ramp to full-scale production for the user terminal (a high volume manufactured product that consumers will have in their homes).

The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, and security of the products that you deliver. If you seek a fast-paced, dynamic environment; if you thrive on solving difficult problems where resolutions have high impact; and if you love the challenge of building something from scratch, then this role will be an ideal next career step.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Development of assembly and integration processes for prototype spacecraft builds, and associated subsystems (Avionics, Bus, Payload).
• Participate in various levels of Top level to Sub-system assemblies; avionics, ADCS, mechanisms, Cabling/Harnessing, preparing subsystems for test, Payload assembly, Vehicle level assembly.
• Design of assembly tooling and fixtures required.
• Maximize material flow and manufacturing processes for Hardware in the Loop in-process test systems for subsystem and vehicle assembly.
• Design / build handling systems to enable various levels of partial-assembly testing during prototype development; such as multi degree of freedom, accurate structures to enable positioning of instrumented test units in a variety of test facilities: Anechoic chambers, T-Vac, T-cycle, shock etc.
• Overcome obstacles and meet assembly and test schedules.
• Implement DfM recommendations.
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing issues with design and test teams.
• Coordinate work efforts with other various other Engineers.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of science degree in mechanical/aerospace /manufacturing engineering.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience developing manufacturing operations and building spacecraft / spacecraft subsystems.
• Established expertise in DfX (Manufacturability, Assembly, Quality), and experienced in taking products from development to flight ready production.
• Experience with various manufacturing process developments, facility and line layouts, process failure mode effects analysis, and error proofing.
• Familiar and experienced with cleanroom systems and contamination controls.
• HITL test systems.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes – lathe, mill (manual and CNC), water-jet, sheet metal forming, grinding, etc.
• Familiarity with GD&T (per ASME Y14.5) for engineering drawings and part inspection, including use of dimensional inspection tools.
• 3D CAD experience working with large, complex assemblies. NX 7.5 or later preferred
• FEA experience. FEMAP and/or ANSYS preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.