Materials R&D Technician (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.

MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN (STARLINK)

As aMaterials R&D Technician you will play a key role in supporting materials and process development for Starlink satellites. This hands-on position focuses on laboratory operations materials characterization sample preparation and process validation. The ideal candidate is organized detail-oriented and takes pride in maintaining a clean efficient and well-run lab.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain safe clean and organized lab operations including enforcing safety protocols 5S standards inventory control and proper workflows.
• Operate calibrate maintain and troubleshoot a wide range of materials characterization equipment including DSC TGA rheometers thermal conductivity systems FTIR SEM/EDS mechanical test frames hardness testers and metallographic preparation equipment.
• Perform consistent sample preparation and testing while ensuring traceability and accurate documentation.
• Review test data provide initial interpretation and escalate off-nominal results to engineering.
• Develop write and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab processes and equipment.
• Manage daily lab workload and test requests to meet program priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase lab efficiency and capability.
• Use precision measurement tools (micrometers calipers etc.) and maintain compliance with relevant ASTM ISO and IPC standards.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 2 years of hands-on materials testing or characterization experience in a laboratory environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree in Materials Science Chemistry Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 3 years of experience in materials processing or characterization with a strong focus on sample preparation defect analysis and contamination control.
• Experience operating and maintaining thermal analysis mechanical testing and microscopy equipment (DSC TGA rheometers SEM/EDS etc.).
• Experience working in a production-support or high-volume testing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear SOPs and follow complex procedures with high attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with failure analysis or root cause investigation support.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work off-shifts overtime and weekends as needed.
• Ability to wear appropriate PPE and work in a lab and machine shop environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to stand bend stoop and perform physical tasks associated with lab and sample preparation work.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level 1: $27.00 - $33.00/hour
Level 2: $31.00 - $39.00/hour
Level 3: $36.00 - $45.00/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 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.