Materials Engineer - Orbital AI Compute & Satellites

Future Ventures; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer for the Starmind program to own the lifecycle of materials for orbital compute hardware, including high-reliability packaging, cooling, and thermal management. You will work across mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software teams to deliver integrated hardware for AI inference in space.

Requirements include a materials/engineering degree and experience in microelectronics or manufacturing; preferred are advanced degrees, tooling design, and data analysis

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• Experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing
• Master's degree in materials science or similar field (preferred)
• Internship or early-career experience in hardware, robotics, automation, or manufacturing environments (preferred)
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or jigs for assembly or test applications (preferred)
• Exposure to scripting or data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB) (preferred)
• Experience with precision assemblies or automated equipment (preferred)
• Knowledge of PFMEA, SPC methodologies (preferred)
• Familiarity with MES or manufacturing traceability systems (preferred)
• Cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing familiarity (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Rapidly develop high-reliability microelectronics packages, cooling systems, and radiator hardware for satellites.
• Own the full lifecycle of materials specification, validation, and process development; including modeling, characterization, and failure analysis.
• Drive system trades, requirements capture, materials selection, prototyping, manufacturing, and failure analysis.
• Build supply chains for materials and coatings; define acceptance criteria for incoming materials.
• Address materials and process challenges in advanced packaging; develop next-generation TIM materials.
• Specify and implement in-process metrology tools for quality control and design thermal test vehicles.
• Collaborate with engineers across disciplines to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware.
• Challenge assumptions, learn from mistakes, and maintain an open-minded approach to problems.
• Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with leadership to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure reliability.

Skills

Materials science

Mechanical engineering

Microelectronics

Python / MATLAB

Tooling design

Automation experience

Packaging design

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science or related engineering

Master's degree in materials science or similar

Tools

PFMEA

SPC

MES

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer for the Starmind program to own the lifecycle of materials for orbital compute hardware, including high-reliability packaging, cooling, and thermal management. You will work across mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software teams to deliver integrated hardware for AI inference in space.

Requirements include a materials/engineering degree and experience in microelectronics or manufacturing; preferred are advanced degrees, tooling design, and data analysis