Materials Engineer, Metals for Starlink Hardware

SpaceX; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock / long-term incentives

401(k) retirement plan

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Shuttle service to Redmond office

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, Metals (Starlink) to lead materials selection, joining, and failure analysis for satellite and ground hardware. You will develop alloy properties, qualify joining processes, and support design decisions with robust data.

Responsibilities include collaboration with suppliers, troubleshooting production processes, and ensuring material performance under high-volume production. Travel and long hours may be required in some campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials-focused engineering.
• Experience with aluminum alloys and metal-joining processes.
• Knowledge of material properties and testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Materials selection, characterization, qualification, and manufacturing support for metallic hardware on Starlink satellites and ground assemblies.
• Develop properties of metallic alloys and joints with data, allowable, and process recommendations.
• Root cause investigations and failure analysis using fractography, metallography, SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, and other tests.
• Develop, qualify, troubleshoot, and optimize metal joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering, sintering).
• Provide design-related reviews for material alloy selection, specs, fracture requirements, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with suppliers on qualification and issue resolution for forgings, castings, and metallic components.

Skills

Welding

Metal Joining

Failure Analysis

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

SEM-EDS

Optical Microscopy

Hardness Testing

Spectroscopy

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, Metals (Starlink) to lead materials selection, joining, and failure analysis for satellite and ground hardware. You will develop alloy properties, qualify joining processes, and support design decisions with robust data.

Responsibilities include collaboration with suppliers, troubleshooting production processes, and ensuring material performance under high-volume production. Travel and long hours may be required in some campaigns.