Manufacturing Engineer (Starlink Optical) at SpaceX in Bastrop, TX

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 (STARLINK OPTICAL)

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, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the world.

Our factory integrates precision electro-mechanical assemblies, automation systems, and production data infrastructure. We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, build, and scale the physical systems that make this possible.

This is an early-career, hands-on engineering role. You will work alongside senior engineers to design and implement production cells, develop assembly workflows, and support product-to-manufacturing integration. While prior factory experience is not required, strong first-principles engineering skills and comfort designing and debugging real hardware systems are essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the design and implementation of automated production cells, fixtures, and tooling for precision optical and electro-mechanical assembly
• Create and modify CAD models for tooling, fixtures, mechanical interfaces, and production equipment
• Assist with product-to-manufacturing handoff during new product introduction (NPI), including process development, build planning, and first-article execution
• Develop, document, and maintain assembly processes, work instructions, and validation procedures to support repeatable high-volume production
• Build, test, and debug production equipment and prototype hardware on the factory floor
• Analyze yield, process, and metrology data to support root-cause investigations and drive continuous improvement
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, optical, and automation engineering teams to identify manufacturability improvements and feed lessons learned back into product design
• Support the development and qualification of production test and inspection methods, including in-line metrology and end-of-line validation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Internship, co-op, or early-career experience in hardware, robotics, automation, or manufacturing environments
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly or test applications
• Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) for process data analysis or automation
• Experience working with precision assemblies, robotic systems, or automated pick-and-place equipment
• Familiarity with manufacturing process development methodologies (e.g., PFMEA, process capability studies, SPC)
• Exposure to GD&T and tolerance analysis as applied to fixture and tooling design
• Experience with or interest in production data systems, MES, or manufacturing traceability infrastructure
• Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing practices

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary 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.