Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Town of Texas, Wisconsin seeks a Materials Engineer to build high-performance flight hardware and oversee materials from inception to flight. The position demands expertise in metals and materials science, with a focus on enhancing production lines.

Key responsibilities include collaborating with engineering teams, conducting root cause investigations, and ensuring reliability of materials. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with advanced knowledge in manufacturing and experience with aerospace materials.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in materials engineering.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with failure analysis and fractography.

Responsibilities

• Own outcomes of critical materials to the program.
• Oversee the entire scope of a material from inception to flight.
• Collaborate with engineers to solve complex material challenges.

Skills

Materials science knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Mechanical testing methods

Knowledge of aerospace metals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering

Master's degree or PhD in materials science or engineering

Tools

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Job description

MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

This role builds high performance flight hardware, a high-volume rocket production line, and a launch system that can rapidly and reliably launch and land our rockets. The position requires advanced knowledge and hands-on expertise in high performance metals and materials.

Responsibilities

• Own outcomes of critical materials to our program.
• Oversee the entire scope of a material from inception to flight.
• Develop physical, mechanical, and thermal properties for materials.
• Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and testing.
• Develop and implement reliability improvements in designs and manufacturing.
• Work directly with engineers developing the flight hardware to ensure proper utilization of materials.
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering.
• 2+ years of professional, research, and/or internship experience working on metallics in a materials engineering role.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science or engineering.
• 2+ years of professional work experience in a materials engineering related role.
• Demonstrated experience where quick thinking and tangible problem-solving skills play a critical role.
• Demonstrated experience fostering an environment of extremely high personal accountability and responsibility.
• Understanding of mechanical testing methods for metals.
• Familiarity with standard testing methods for materials and development of design allowables.
• Experience with failure analysis and fractography including characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and metallographic analysis.
• Knowledge of aerospace metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
• Infrequent travel to other SpaceX sites such as California or Florida.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be (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 [e-mail].