SpaceX is accelerating its push into next-generation space technology with a major hiring surge focused on developing AI satellites and space-based data centers. In early February 2026 announcements shared on X (formerly Twitter), Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering at SpaceX, revealed active recruitment for elite engineers in Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Washington (with related roles in Redmond, WA, for Starlink satellite work).
This recruitment drive comes amid SpaceX’s ambitious plans to build orbital compute infrastructure—potentially scaling to a constellation of up to 1 million satellites serving as distributed data centers powered by solar energy. Elon Musk amplified Nicolls’ posts, urging top talent to “help take humanity to the stars!” and highlighting the rare in-house cyclotron capability.
The moves follow SpaceX’s recent integration with xAI and ongoing FCC filings for massive orbital AI systems, positioning the company at the forefront of space-based artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
SpaceX Hiring Drive: Building AI Satellites and Space Data Centers
Nicolls explicitly stated: “We are hiring for many critical engineering roles to develop the technologies for AI satellites in space at our facilities in Austin and Seattle. Solar, process, automation, manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, optics, software… come build space data centers with great engineers at SpaceX and Starlink.”
Key focus areas include:
- Solar engineering — Critical for powering energy-intensive AI compute in orbit.
- Automation and manufacturing — Scaling production of advanced satellite hardware.
- Mechanical, electrical, and optics — Designing robust systems for vacuum, radiation, and thermal extremes.
- Software — Enabling onboard AI processing, data handling, and inter-satellite networking.
These roles support SpaceX’s vision of orbital data centers as a solution to Earth’s constraints on power, cooling, and land for massive AI training/inference facilities. Musk has argued that space offers “always sunny” solar access and passive vacuum cooling, making it potentially more efficient for hyperscale AI.
Open positions tie into Starlink’s satellite ecosystem, with listings on SpaceX’s careers page emphasizing antenna design, satellite systems software, integration & test, and operations—many located in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle/Redmond) and Texas hubs.
New 230 MeV Cyclotron Radiation Testing Facility in Florida
In a separate but related announcement, Nicolls revealed SpaceX is building a state-of-the-art 230 MeV cyclotron facility in Florida to bring single-event radiation effects testing in-house.
This compact particle accelerator will simulate cosmic radiation by accelerating protons to near-light speeds, allowing rapid screening and characterization of electronics for satellites, Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and future deep-space missions.
Benefits include:
- Faster iteration on chip and PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) designs.
- Reduced reliance on external testing labs.
- Accelerated development for radiation-hardened hardware essential to AI satellites and orbital data centers.
Nicolls noted the facility is hiring “elite engineers,” with Musk commenting, “Not many companies have cyclotrons!” The exact Florida location (potentially near Winter Park/Orlando area) remains under wraps, but it underscores SpaceX’s vertical integration strategy to speed up innovation across its portfolio.
Why This Matters: SpaceX’s Push Toward Orbital AI and Kardashev-Scale Ambitions
These developments align with Elon Musk’s long-term vision of scaling AI compute beyond Earth’s limits. SpaceX’s FCC application for a solar-powered “orbital data-center system” envisions vast constellations that could deliver unprecedented processing power—potentially surpassing U.S. terrestrial electricity consumption in orbit via Starship’s massive payload capacity.
Challenges remain, including radiation hardening (addressed by the new Florida facility), thermal management, latency for data links, and regulatory hurdles. Yet, with Starlink’s proven mega-constellation expertise (thousands of satellites already operational), SpaceX is uniquely positioned to pioneer space-based AI infrastructure.
This hiring wave signals strong growth in SpaceX’s engineering teams, creating opportunities for skilled professionals in aerospace, AI hardware, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing.
Join the SpaceX Mission
Interested in contributing to AI satellites, orbital data centers, or radiation-hardened tech? Check SpaceX’s official careers page (spacex.com/careers) for the latest openings in Austin, Seattle, Redmond, and Florida. Roles span Starlink and broader programs—ideal for engineers passionate about pushing humanity multi-planetary.
Stay ahead of breakthroughs in space tech, AI innovation, orbital infrastructure, and futuristic engineering at **www.vfuturemedia.com**—your source for the latest on SpaceX, Starlink, and the new space economy.
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