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.
SENIOR MATERIALS ENGINEER, VEHICLE REFURBISHMENT
The materials engineer role is highly multidisciplinary and this individual will assess and provide materials engineering solutions to SpaceX vehicles for reusability efforts. The ideal candidate is an individual familiar with polymeric processes including RTV silicones, structural epoxy adhesives, organic and inorganic paint systems, as well as experience with corrosion assessment and prevention on metallic and composite structures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles onsite
- Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, perform associated required tasks, and complete required documentation per SpaceX specifications and other external specification such us NASA, OSHA, ASTM, NACE, ASME etc.
- Investigate and analyze integrated vehicle parts, and flown polymeric and inorganic coatings on the exterior of the Falcon boosters and Merlin propulsion components
- Apply corrosion knowledge and skills to assess, repair, install, troubleshoot, analyze, and perform other predictive and preventative maintenance tasks on assigned vehicle components
- Investigate and analyze corrosive conditions for existing vehicle fleet
- Perform basic characterization (SEM/EDS/FTIR) as first line of defense for material identification at the launch site
- Support lab maintenance and growth into X2
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in materials or chemical engineering
- 5+ years of experience with polymer physics, and vehicle integration
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in materials science or engineering
- Familiarity with silicone elastomers, polyurethane, silicone paints, structural adhesives, composites
- Willingness to travel
- Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
- Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity
- Familiarity with working in a safe lab environment
- Experience with FTIR spectrometer, DSC, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, and other laboratory instruments
- Ability to train others in discipline job tasks and to confirm knowledge, skills and abilities of others as an evaluator for partnership skill qualification program dependent upon position level
- Proficient in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following: launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; composite structure design or testing; test operations with gases/fluids; data acquisition setup and field measurements
- Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Willingness to travel
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces
- Must be available to work long hours and weekends as necessary
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Materials Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/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.
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.
