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.
LEAD MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable.
As a Lead Engineer within the Materials Engineering department, you will lead a technical team responsible for developing, qualifying, and implementing optimized material / process solutions across the Starlink satellite system, which align with programmatic goals for reliability, performance, and cost. This position includes leadership of the Redmond materials characterization lab and lab personnel.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead a team of engineers focused on rapid development and execution of material and process improvements for Starlink hardware (includes recruitment, effective resource allocation, performance evaluations, and growth management)
Provide expertise and guidance to the engineering staff as it relates to materials selection, testing and analysis for electronic materials, polymers, coatings, joining/forming techniques, and space environmental effects
Investigate opportunities for improving existing processes, equipment, and technology for attaining organizational cost reduction and continuous improvements
Conduct and direct hands-on laboratory testing and rigorous failure analysis of flight hardware and raw stock materials
Perform prototype process trials, materials analysis, and properties characterization
Develop technologically advanced materials or processes that enhance product performance
Work with external vendors to establish process control of existing designs and identify new opportunities for product development and improvement
Be proactive and forward thinking with respect to team growth and department/company strategy
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in material science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or physics
5+ years of professional experience with electronic materials, polymers, coatings, joining technologies (bonding, welding, brazing, soldering)
1+ years leading or mentoring technical team members
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree or PhD in material science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or physics
Strong desire to mentor and develop team members
Experience leading a technical team
Experience in characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, cross-section sample preparation and mechanical property testing
Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and highly competitive environment
Experience with technical review of materials processing and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
Hands-on experience in a high-production manufacturing environment
Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
Effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all level of our organization
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range: Lead: $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. 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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
