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.

TEST ENGINEER, MATERIALS PROCESSING LAB

The Materials Engineering team supports materials across SpaceX via identification, development, implementation of advanced materials and processes. This role will be part of a team of engineers and process specialists in the materials processing lab, developing new materials and processing solutions for different applications at SpaceX. You will be very hands on building and operating custom test fixtures and be part of a team that’s developing advanced materials for the future of spaceflight.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work closely with product engineers to understand materials requirements for their applications
  • Design, build, and operate custom test equipment to generate data needed to evaluate new materials and/or designs
  • Work with materials engineers to assess best in class approaches for metal processing
  • Develop laboratory capabilities and analysis methods and collaborate with vendors and external labs to augment internal capabilities
  • Specify, design, install, commission and/or validate metal processing equipment
  • Lead process development of developmental materials and processing techniques through parameter optimization, DOE experiments, and trials to support alloy design activities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of manufacturing or design experience (internship or project team experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
  • Involvement in a professional engineering society or collegiate design project
  • Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
  • Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
  • Hands-on experience with CNC, lathe, or other machining hardware
  • Experience with 3D printing or other additive manufacturing methodologies
  • Experience with controls (sensors, instruments, actuators, PID controllers etc.) or robot programming
  • Hands on fabrication experience, general shop skills
  • Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
  • Drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
  • Effective written and interpersonal communication skills. Must be capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all level of our organization
  • Excellent team player, willing to work hard and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience working with different equipment in a manufacturing and/or laboratory environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs unassisted
  • Position may require long hours and weekend work as needed
  • Willing to travel for short trips as needed, up to 10% travel
  • Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed
  • Ability and willingness to work with chemicals utilizing proper personal protection equipment

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.   

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.

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