MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, GATEWAYS (STARLINK)

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, GATEWAYS (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 millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, ground station gateways, and consumer antennae that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact, and we are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

Starlink Gateways are advanced ground stations antennas that are responsible for delivering internet from the ground to satellites – they must be high-precision, low-cost, high-performance in all weather conditions (from the Arctic Circle to the desert), and ultra-reliable over long periods of time. As a manufacturing engineer for gateways, you will holistically drive manufacturing tools and processes, from initial concept development to full-scale production, and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases for this complex hardware. You will own the relationship between the engineering development and production teams. Come join this high-performing team in designing and building out the world’s largest network of ground stations!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, commission, and qualify the production line for the next generation ground antennas
• Lead the production ramp up by working through multi-disciplinary issues to hit volume targets
• Drive yield, uptime, and rate improvements to hit program targets (OEE)
• Lead prototype builds ensuring incremental milestones for the production development are met
• Provide feedback to the engineering design team to improve design for manufacturability
• Collaborate with supply chain, production technicians, and quality personnel to ensure processes are robust and any production problems are quickly solved
• Identify and establish requirements for automation opportunities while thoroughly evaluating them for return on investment 
• Manage work instructions, process documentation, and training
• Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience designing, building, manufacturing, or testing hardware (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience in high-volume or medium-volume manufacturing environments such as consumer electronics, automotive, aviation or industrial/commercial machinery
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks) for design and modeling of manufacturing tools and processes.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization to support rapid iteration and high-volume production
• Familiarity with aerospace materials (e.g., aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon fiber composites) and their processing, including heat treatment and non-destructive testing
• Programming and automation skills, such as Python, MATLAB, or PLC programming for factory automation, data analysis, and yield improvement
• Strong problem-solving abilities, including root cause analysis (e.g., using 8D or fishbone diagrams) and experience with failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
• Experience with quality control systems, ISO/AS9100 standards, and statistical process control (SPC) to ensure reliability in high-stakes environments
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative development environment with cross-functional collaboration (e.g., working with design, supply chain, and test teams)
• Basic understanding of safety protocols, including OSHA regulations and handling of hazardous materials in aerospace/automotive manufacturing
• Excellent communication skills for documenting processes, presenting data, and training production teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Ability to lift up to 25Ibs unassisted

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.