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.

GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (STARLINK)

Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to serve populations with little or no connectivity. We design, build, and launch the world’s largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations. Want to help build the next era of internet?

Gateway antennas form the terrestrial backbone of this satellite network, and the engineers on this team are responsible for process development to enable high-rate production of complex antenna electro-mechanical assemblies. From designing novel fixtures and mechanisms for assembly and test, to architecting design/test upgrades to improve performance and functionality, to urgently troubleshooting issues on the factory floor, gateway development engineers have a wide-range of responsibilities and open-ended problems to tackle. 

The engineers on this team are driven and creative problem-solvers, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and work effectively in a dynamic environment as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on global scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Commission (and design as needed) manufacturing and test equipment such as CNC machines, laser welders, vacuum chambers, etc.
• Develop new processes and conduct design of experiments (DOE) to enable reliable and high-rate production
• Design the factory and processes to enable rapid, reliable, and safe deliveries of gateway antenna components
• Simplify and optimize production flows, develop and refine automated test capabilities for antenna hardware
• Collaborate with design engineers, supply chain, internal machine shops, and external vendors to steer design choices and ensure parts are designed for manufacturability
• Work closely with technicians to assemble, operate, and troubleshoot various build/test systems
• Balance multiple high-priority projects through effective time-management and strong communication 
• Demonstrate extreme ownership over product success: from initial development testing of new hardware to full-rate production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM discipline
• 2+ years of experience in a mechanical, manufacturing, or engineering field (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with mechanical design, developing production processes, factory optimization, and manufacturing and machining methods
• Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial development through high-volume production ramp
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and data review to verify and validate product requirements
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (Python, Matlab, C++, SQL, or similar)
• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs

ADDITIONAL REQUREMENTS:

• Willingness to work long hours when needed to meet critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Gateway Development Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Gateway Development Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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.