Sr. Materials Engineer, Starshield

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 STARSHIELD

Starshield leverages SpaceXs Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use Starshield is designed for government use with an initial focus on earth observation communications and hosted payloads. As a Senior Materials Engineer you will own solving complex materials challenges of our current and next generation satellite designs in a rapidly innovating environment. You will regularly interface with engineering and production teams as well as have hands-on responsibilities with flight hardware.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Champion materials-related initiatives for Starshield satellites from conceptualization through development qualification implementation and production stabilization; work closely with partner teams on rolling out optimized solutions
• Responsible for the development test and performance evaluation of metals polymers coatings and joining/forming techniques used across the current and next generation Starshield satellite designs
• Develop qualify and implement coatings for thermal control or optical applications
• Conduct and direct hands-on laboratory testing and rigorous failure analysis of flight hardware and raw stock materials
• Lead root cause failure investigations acting as the subject matter expert (SME) for metallic and polymer failure mechanisms through hands-on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw materials always driving to first principles
• Perform prototype process trials materials analysis and property characterization
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost complexity and quality; work closely with partner teams todesignand realize an efficient in-house production line
• Work with external vendors to establish process control of existing designs and identify new opportunities for product development and improvement

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Material Science Materials Engineering Chemical Engineering or other related engineering discipline
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the teams spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree or PhD in Material Science Materials Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemistry Physics or other related technical discipline
• 1 years of professional experience with polymers coatings joining technologies (bonding welding brazing soldering)
• Experience in characterization techniques and equipment including SEM-EDS FTIR DSC TGA LFA rheology optical microscopy hardness testers and mechanical property testing
• Experience with technical review of material processes and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing fast-paced and highly competitive environment
• Self-motivated with strong organizational written and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

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.