Sr. Materials Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

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.

SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER SATELLITES (STARLINK)

At SpaceX were leveraging our rocket and spacecraft expertise to deploy Starlink the worlds largest and most advanced satellite constellation delivering fast internet to over 10 million users worldwide. We design build test and operate the full system from thousands of satellites to user terminals and software.

Were revolutionizingthelaunch market through rapid reusability and cutting-edge technology. As a Senior Materials Engineer youll take a hands-on role in developing implementing and troubleshooting advanced material systems. Youll use your expertise experience and creativity to solve complex material selection and processing challenges as we scale Starlink for high-volume production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Champion new thermal-optical inorganic and organic coating technologies for Starlinksatellitesfrom concept through qualification implementation and production stabilization; collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements evaluate optical performance and deploy optimized solutions.
• Apply deep fundamentals of coating science optical design and deposition processes to develop high-performance surfaces for space applications.
• Lead rigorous space environment testing and reliability validation including thermal vacuum cycling atomic oxygen radiation UV exposure and other orbital simulations; iterate designs to ensure long-term durability in harsh space conditions.
• Solve difficult technical problems of the highest scope and ambiguity; take action on these challenges by applying first principles removing unnecessary complexity and identifying innovative solutions through rapidly iterating learning and adjusting.
• Conduct root cause investigations of material-related failures with hands-on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw material; drive down root cause to first principles mechanisms of material performance that may have influenced system-level results.
• Provide expert input on material selection and design during hardware design reviews offering practical recommendations for performance simplicity and cost.
• Perform production process walk-downs to identify opportunities for new materials or process improvements that enhance reliability rate and yield.
• Mentor peers and team members on technical problem solving decision-making and exercising good engineering judgment; be a point of escalation for blockers and encourage cross-team collaboration when solving technical challenges.
• Develop and publish material design allowables that accurately reflect operational loads and space environments.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Materials Science Materials Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemistry Physics or an engineering discipline.
• 5 years of professional experience in electronic materials polymers space survivable coatings EEE packaging RF-transparent materials and/or joining technologies (bonding welding brazing soldering).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters or PhD in Materials Science Materials Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemistry Physics or a related technical discipline.
• Strong expertise in materials for space applications including coatings polymers electronic materials and joining technologies.
• Deep understanding of material performance in space environments including degradation mechanisms and long-term stability.
• Hands-on experience with material characterization techniques (SEM-EDS FTIR DSC TGA optical spectroscopy mechanical testing) and space environment testing.
• Demonstrated ability to link material/process variables to resulting performance and reliability.
• Proven track record of successfully developing qualifying and transitioning materials from concept through high-volume production.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with a passion for innovation in cutting-edge space technology.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to make fast data-driven decisions in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant or extended periods (up to 25%).
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time.
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as needed to support manufacturing and test campaigns.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Sr. Materials Engineer: $130000.00 - $180000.00/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 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.