Materials Engineer, Surface and Corrosion

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

MATERIALS ENGINEER SURFACE AND CORROSION

This role is for a Surface and Corrosion Engineer within the Materials Engineering Department based in Hawthorne CA. The ability to travel up to 50% of the time to launch sites recovery sites etc. is required. This is a highly technical hands-on position that requires practical experience in corrosion evaluations and a deep understanding of corrosion mechanism and surface chemistry fundamentals. We are actively looking for candidates who possess comprehensive knowledge of corrosion mitigation schemes sealant/coating use cleaning processes and hardware contamination evaluations with an unrelenting drive to enable rapid and reliable reusability of our launch vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own definition qualification and implementation of corrosion mitigation schemes across flight hardware and ground support equipment
• Investigate and analyze corrosive conditions for existing vehicle fleet
• Design and perform accelerated exposure test campaigns to evaluate reliability of corrosion preventative materials over time
• Develop and qualify novel materials and repair methods that further enable our rapid and reliable launch cadence
• Root cause corrosion-related findings down to primary contributors with high urgency and curiosity; drive further actions for continuous improvement
• Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements perform associated required tasks and complete required documentation per SpaceX specifications and other external specifications such as NASA OSHA ASTM NACE ASME etc.
• Train inspector and technician teams on corrosion inspections and etching methods

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in materials engineering materials science chemical engineering or chemistry
• 1 years of experience with corrosion coatings paints or/and electrochemistry

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree in corrosion engineering materials science chemical engineering chemistry or similar
• Familiarity with polyurethane paints anodize coatings sealants corrosion protection compounds and corrosion inhibitors
• Ability to communicate and document technical information to a mixed engineering audience
• Experience with FTIR spectrometer scanning electron microscope optical microscope and other laboratory instruments
• Ability to train and confirm knowledge skills and abilities of others as an evaluator for related personnel qualification programs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% time
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes odors and noise
• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Level I: $95000 - $115000/per year

Level II: $110000 - $130000/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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual carryover and use requirements of the law.

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 SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.