Materials R&D Technician

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 R&D TECHNICIAN

This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations to support material & process developments failure investigations process control validation and more. A basic understanding of material science fundamentals is preferred though not required. Hands-on lab experience is required. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in setting up operating maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Success in this role will require being hands-on flexible a quick learner organized detail-oriented and having a collaborative can-do attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process composite test requests (including mold preparation lamination bagging thermocouples and vacuum connections); requests must be completed with rigorous attention to detail accuracy precision and efficiency
• Prepare and fabricate test coupons involving but not limited to epoxies silicones paints composites and thermal protection materials
• Setup and operate hot bond composite repair systems
• Execute vacuum bag processing bonding and oven/autoclave curing
• Run and maintain cure ovens and temperature loggers
• Operate machining equipment mills routers lathes and grinders (preferably CNC program capable)
• Perform sample preparation of material specimens as required by the test requests; preparation may involve machining use of ovens for polymer cures epoxy mounting chemical etching painting applications mechanical polishing etc.
• Support maintenance and calibration needs of the lab instrumentation
• Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner; be prepared to provide a basic interpretation of results to requestors and flag off-nominal results for engineering review
• Manage lab backlog and ensure requests are performed relative to program priorities
• Maintain safe and efficient operations by enforcing proper workflow safety cleanliness organization and inventory control of lab consumables
• Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while continuing to complete day-to-day test requests
• Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining a clean tidy workspace
• Work creatively and innovate to support team goals; always be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1 years of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of safe work practices in an environment with furnaces environmental chambers saws solvents acids/bases etc.
• Experience with painting applications equipment and lab best practices
• Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals
• Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team
• Experience setting up and running tests and experiments
• Maintaining rigorous attention to detail when executing test instructions
• Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel Word PowerPoint Outlook) Atlassian JIRA and work order systems
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work closely with engineering group
• Ability to read and understand test specifications
• Strong organizational skills to keep work area tidy and organize workflow
• Creative approach to problem solving with willingness to learn and try new things
• Experience using various types of hand tools and/or power tools

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed
• Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted. Lifting standing bending grasping sitting pulling pushing stooping stretching and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Level 1: $24.00 - $31.00/hour

Level 2: $28.00 - $37.00/hour

Level 3: $33.00 - $43.00/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. 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.