Harness Engineering Specialist (Starshield)

SpaceX· Hawthorne, CA· Starshield Satellite Engineering

Posted 2026-10-30

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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.

HARNESS ENGINEERING SPECIALIST (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s satellite technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

SpaceX is looking to hire a satellite harness engineering specialist to work with a brilliant and passionate team of engineers. As a harness engineering specialist on the Starshield team, you will be responsible for designing and releasing satellite harness CAD models and drawings, qualifying interconnects and cables, and developing new harness fabrication methods across our various satellite configurations. This role has high exposure across our various satellite vehicle subsystems and befits one who is highly collaborative and motivated to take on a diverse range of challenging work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and release harness design solutions within a 3D NX CAD environment, both CAD models and manufacturing drawings/formboards
Adhere to and improve internal design standards and requirements
Work with responsible engineers to generate electrical schematics for both flight and qualification designs
Perform testing (both mechanical and electrical) of harnessing with respect to thermal, loads, vibration and shock to ensure full qualification for flight
Triage non-conforming interconnect products and drive resolution and preventative actions
Develop new tooling and manufacturing methods for fabricating electrical and optical harnessing products

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of professional wire harnessing experience or similar environment, OR bachelor’s degree in engineering or a similar field

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Proficiency with 3D CAD harnessing/routing design and drafting experience with Siemens NX or similar software
Experience with electrical/optical harnessing processes and tooling
Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, OR ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance is desired but not required. An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime, and weekends as needed. Estimated shift times; 1st Shift: 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted
Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
Ability to travel to SpaceX, vendors, customers, and partner locations as necessary

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $33.00 - $39.00
Level 2: $37.00 - $44.00
Level 3: $41.00 - $50.00

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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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 [email protected].

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