Mechanical Engineer (Optical Test)
SpaceX
Other Engineering
Redmond, WA, USA
USD 95k-130k / year + Equity
Posted on Oct 14, 2025
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.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER (OPTICAL TEST)
SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for a talented Mechanical Engineer to support development, production, and test of optical components for Starlink.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to understand and drive requirements for production and development testing of highly complex spaceflight hardware
- Design fixtures, mechanisms, fluid systems and other types of hardware to support safe, efficient, and reliable testing of satellite systems
- Create detailed documentation for test systems including engineering drawings and schematics
- Utilize hand calculations and tools such as FEA to inform and validate design decisions
- Balance multiple high-priority projects through effective time management and communication
- Demonstrate extreme ownership of all project phases from initial concept to final commissioning and operation
- Work closely with technicians to build, assemble, and operate test systems
- Review data to understand and validate performance of test systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, physics or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of engineering design experience (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working in a laboratory or industrial setting requiring hands-on work, attention to detail, and high regard for safety
- Knowledge of common manufacturing processes and hands-on experience machining parts using standard equipment such as mills, lathes, CNC machines
- Experience with optical and opto-mechanical hardware and systems
- Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter CAD/PDM systems
- Experience applying GD&T
- Basic understanding of industrial electrical, control, and instrumentation systems
- Experience working effectively across multi-disciplinary teams
- Desire to work in a fast-paced environment
- Basic proficiency with Python or other programming language
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Some travel to our launch sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
- Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Mechanical 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 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.