Materials Engineer, Metals

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

MATERIALS ENGINEER, METALS

Our Starship Materials Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will constantly improve the materials and processes used to make these structures and components. This role will primarily be supporting component level hardware (including, but not limited to valves, actuators, heat exchangers, injectors, combustion chambers). Special processing of metals including, but not limited to laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, casting, and forging will be expected to make an impact on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of an entire system that spans across all of our Starship vehicles. If your goal is to make an impact on the cutting edge of propulsion, materials, and manufacturing technologies, this is the role for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide materials and process support for propulsion, mechanism, and valve system designs and manufacturing
• Increase reliability of internal design’s manufacturing processes through material and process development
• Develop physical, mechanical, and thermal properties for materials
• Improve our special processes and materials through characterization and development
• Work directly with our additive, component, design reliability engineering and manufacturing/production teams on a daily basis
• Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and testing
• Provide technical reviews and advising for design efforts specifically related to drawings, specifications, and material requirements
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in materials engineering or other engineering discipline 
• 2+ years of professional work experience in a materials engineering related role
• 1+ years of experience with one or more of the following manufacturing methods: additive (laser powder bed fusion), casting, forging, brazing, diffusion bonding, welding, and heat treating

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or PhD in materials engineering or related field 
• Understanding of mechanical testing methods for metals including fracture and fatigue
• Familiarity with standard testing methods for materials and development of design allowables
• Experience with failure analysis and fractography including characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and metallographic analysis
• Knowledge of aerospace metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment
• Understanding of non-destructive test methods for fracture and fatigue control
• Tribological processes including, but not limited to evaluating and implementing protective coatings (polyurethane, urethane, conversion coating, inorganic coatings, dry-film lubricants, etc.) for internal and external environmental conditions including  thermal, wear, atmospheric, and space environments
• Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, perform associated required tasks, and complete required documentation per SpaceX specifications and other external specification such as NASA, OSHA, ASTM, NACE, ASME, AWS, ASM, etc

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• Up to 10% domestic travel is expected

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/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 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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.