Engineering Development Technician (Starlink)
Content + Source + Freshness • 12 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Moderate value stemming from a balance of engaging technical work and competitive pay, although specific experience requirements may deter some applicants.
- Get involved in satellite technology development.
- Experience a collaborative engineering environment.
- Compensatory package varying based on experience.
- Physical and flexible work requirements.
Pros
- Hands-on development role supporting innovative satellite technology.
- Collaborative environment working closely with engineers.
- Room for learning and growth in a cutting-edge field.
Cons
- Experience requirements may limit applicant pool.
- Willingness to work overtime and all shifts required.
- Work can be physically demanding and require site mobility.
Who it's for
Mid-level • On-site
Good fit
- Mid-level technicians with manufacturing and engineering prowess.
- Candidates interested in hands-on work with a team.
- Individuals passionate about aerospace development.
Not recommended for
- Entry-level candidates without relevant background.
- Those preferring standard work hours.
- Individuals averse to physical tasks.
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
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.
ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)
The engineering development technician will be a hands-on liaison with engineering, helping to carry out ideas from concept to reality. A strong background in troubleshooting, manufacturing, R&D, and qualification testing is desired. Working directly in the Integration & Test Engineering group, this position will primarily support the manufacturing and development of SpaceX’s Starlink payloads and satellites alongside a strong group of engineers and specialists. The goal of the team is support production engineering through all phases of product life-cycles, including build and test of pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware, as well as supporting existing production lines and managing rework of non-conforming hardware. As a development technician, you will also be responsible for supporting engineering on planned and unplanned repairs, modifications, and upgrades of production systems. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in mechanical and electrical disciplines, hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, works well in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a can-do attitude.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support production engineering during development and pre-production phases of hardware life-cycles, including building pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware. Assist with transitioning product lines from engineering development to full rate production.
- Support production engineering in the setup and activation of production lines and development and qualification of hardware test setups
- Support engineering in rework and recovery efforts on non-conforming hardware
- Support of existing production lines, including tooling fabrication, test rack builds (structure, low voltage, and network), test system maintenance, factory automation projects, and general production improvement projects
- Build, repair, and rework harnessing to support flight and development hardware as well as ground support equipment and development/qualification test assets
- Assist with maintenance of HITL, continuous integration, and qualification satellite hardware
- Assist with satellite and qualification hardware movements around the site
- Provide targeted surge support for company critical production or qualification test efforts
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, mechanical builds, equipment assembly/test
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working with engineers in development and production environments.
- Able to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision
- Positive attitude and able to work well on a team
- Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes and parts
- Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail
- Able to read and interpret wiring schematics and assembly drawings
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted.
- Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
- Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
- Must be willing to work all shifts, over time, and weekends as needed.
- Must be willing to travel up to 20%
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Engineering Development Technician/Level 1: $22.00 - $29.00/hour
Engineering Development Technician/Level 2: $27.00 - $34.50/hour
Engineering Development Technician/Level 3: $32.00 - $40.00/hour
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. Non-exempt Washington employees are eligible for sick leave in accordance with Washington's Sick Leave policies.
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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
