Sr. Materials Engineer (Materials Laboratory)

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 (MATERIALS LABORATORY)

The Sr. Materials Engineer is a self-starter responsible for ensuring the quality integrity and usability of data generated across the Materials Lab while leading the development and qualification of new and improved test processes. You will establish engineering controls and quality systems train lab personnel on first principles investigate data anomalies and drive capability expansion across Thermal Characterization Chemistry Reliability Mechanical Testing and R&D segments. This role requires strong project management skills to simultaneously advance multiple initiatives while building a state-of-the-art laboratory that delivers high-quality data quickly to support SpaceXs most critical hardware programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own data quality and integrity across the Materials Lab including Thermal Analysis (TGA LFA DSC DMA STA etc.) Characterization (SEM EDS XRD optical microscopy FTIR etc.) Chemistry (ICP spark OES PSD pycnometer testing etc.) Reliability (corrosion coatings etc.) Mechanical Testing (cryo room temperature and elevated temperature tensile/compression/fatigue Charpy fracture toughness etc.) and R&D (torch testing heat treatments Gleeble and process development etc.)
• Develop and implement engineering controls calibration procedures and quality systems to ensure consistent accurate and traceable data output from all lab areas
• Serve as a technical trainer and mentor teaching lab technicians and engineers the fundamental scientific principles behind test methods and best practices for execution
• Rapidly learn and master new or unfamiliar test equipment and systems using first-principles understanding then identify opportunities for improvements and draw deeper technical inferences from test results
• Lead root cause investigations for anomalous or out-of-specification data determine data validity and provide clear recommendations to internal customers on how to interpret and apply results
• Perform failure analysis on materials and components using laboratory methods and equipment to determine failure modes and root causes and draw accurate conclusions regarding material behavior failure mechanisms and recommendations for material selection and design improvements
• Drive process improvement and new capability development projects including the introduction of currently unavailable methods (such as fatigue crack growth testing) and optimization of existing techniques (such as XRD)
• Develop qualify and document new or improved test processes create work instructions and training materials train technicians and successfully transition processes from development into routine production lab operations
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with clear visible schedules and deliverables while driving the lab toward state-of-the-art capabilities
• Collaborate with design manufacturing and quality teams to understand testing requirements and deliver high-value actionable materials data in support of vehicle and engine programs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Materials Science and Engineering Metallurgical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field
• 5 years of professional experienceas an engineerworking in a materials testing or characterization laboratory
• Hands-on experience with at least one of the following areas: mechanical testing thermal analysis or materials characterization techniques

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a related discipline
• Deep understanding of materials science across a wide range of domains including metals polymers ceramics felts adhesives and composites
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with clear schedules and deliverables
• Strong engineering judgment and self-motivation with a track record of driving projects independently
• Experience developing qualifying and documenting new laboratory test methods or processes
• Strong understanding of materials testing standards (ASTM ISO etc.) and statistical methods for data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on test data equipment issues or process deviations
• Experience training or mentoring lab technicians specialists and engineers
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Python MATLAB or similar)
• Hands-on experience with equipment such as SEM EDS XRD FTIR spark OES pycnometer tensile/compression/fatigue testers TGA DSC DMA Gleeble or similar
• Passion for building and operating a high-performing state-of-the-art materials laboratory that delivers high-quality data quickly

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Ability tolift upto 25lbsand work in a laboratory environment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $180000.00 - $260000.00

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 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.