Materials Engineer (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 of enabling human life on Mars.

MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK)

Starlink aims to provide fast, reliable internet to serve populations with little or no connectivity. We design, build, launch, and operate the world's largest constellation of satellites, enabling us to operate a global internet network unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure limitations. The root of SpaceX’s success so far lies in our mission to keep engineering and production in-house, enabling a tight feedback loop, nimble decision-making, and speedy deliverables. With 3 million users in 100+ countries already online, Starlink is truly a game changer and levels the playing field for those who were previously unconnected.

As a member of the Starlink Materials team at our Redmond facility, you will own solving complex materials challenges of our satellite and ground infrastructure 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, ultimately ushering in the next era of connectivity and delivering internet to those who need it most.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide materials selection and manufacturing process support for metallic and metal-joined (welded, brazed, soldered) hardware on Starlink satellites and ground infrastructure assemblies
• Develop mechanical and physical properties of metallic alloys and joints for the design community
• Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and characterization testing
• Develop, qualify, and troubleshoot metal joining processes used in production
• Provide technical review and advice for design efforts related to material alloy selection, material & process specifications, fracture requirements, etc.
• Collaborate with suppliers on qualification and property development of custom-manufactured forgings and castings

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or similar engineering discipline
• Experience with aluminum alloys used for structural and non-structural applications; metal alloys used in electronic applications; and metal-joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering)
• Experience with characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, hardness testers, mechanical property testing, and spectroscopy techniques for composition or phase

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• MS or PhD in material science, materials engineering, weld engineering, metallurgical engineering, or other related engineering discipline
• First principles understanding of welding processes, weld strength testing methodologies, and standards used to make informed welding decisions
• Hands-on experience with metal-joining technologies (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering)
• Experience with technical review of materials and processes and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment
• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Hands-on experience in a high-production manufacturing environment
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Materials Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Materials Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. 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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.