Loads and Dynamics Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Location: Redmond, WA

Department: Satellite Bus Engineering

LOADS AND DYNAMICS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (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 10M+ 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 globe.

Dynamics is responsible for low and high-frequency loads, vibration, and forcing functions for Starlink satellites during ground transportation, ascent (launch), and on-orbit operation. Responsibilities also include database design and software programming for tool development. This role will also be responsible for test planning, setup, execution, and data processing. Dynamics engineers are expected to have a strong intuition of the frequency domain in addition to having solid software and analytical skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Resolve dynamics problems through analysis and test
• Execute dynamic testing from start to finish including pre-test analysis, sensor selection & installation, testing, data analysis, signal processing and model correlation
• Build finite element models
• Perform analyses using commercial and in-house codes as well as write new code
• Perform other analyses that improve products including, but not limited to, satellite brightness, stress analyses, and fatigue analysis

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or an engineering discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1+ years of professional experience with dynamics
• Hands-on experience either analyzing data or building hardware
• Experience with vibration and shock testing
• Experience with NASTRAN
• Finite element modeling experience (use of FEMAP)
• Working knowledge of structural analysis and test, including a fundamental understanding of strength, stability and fatigue failure mechanisms
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay Range:    
Loads and Dynamics Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    
Loads and Dynamics 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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday