Materials Engineer, Polymers (Starlink)

Latent AI; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, specializing in polymers, to develop and evaluate polymeric materials for Starlink's innovative satellite products. Candidates should have at least a Bachelor's degree in materials science or engineering, along with 1+ years of practical experience in characterizing and testing polymers. Preferred qualifications include a Master's or PhD and extensive experience in consumer product sectors. The role is based in Bastrop, Texas, and requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure product reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating polymer materials.
• Master's degree or PhD in materials or polymer engineering preferred.
• 5+ years in consumer products or electronics sector is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate polymeric materials for Starlink products.
• Collaborate on design inputs ensuring reliability in mass production.
• Lead scale-up from prototype to production of polymer parts.

Skills

Characterizing thermoplastics

Testing elastomers

Evaluating adhesives

Collaboration with design engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science or engineering

Tools

SEM-EDS

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Rheometry

Job description

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.

MATERIALS ENGINEER, POLYMERS (STARLINK)

Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low‑latency broadband internet worldwide. We are committed to offering access to high‑speed internet to customers, and are looking for a Polymers Engineer to utilize their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve material selection and processing challenges as we ramp service.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used across various Starlink products
• Support polymer selection and implementation by collaborating with design engineers to establish required design inputs for ensuring a cost‑effective and reliable mass consumer electronic
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation products
• Lead successful scale‑up from prototype to production of relevant injection molded parts
• Engage in root cause failure investigations as a subject matter expert for failure mechanisms

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science or an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of thermoplastics, elastomers, and/or adhesives

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, or polymer engineering
• 5+ years of professional work experience (consumer products or electronics sectors are preferable)
• Diverse knowledge of polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing
• Knowledge of polymer additives, fillers, and reinforcements, and their impact on polymer processing
• Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM‑EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheometry, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing
• Broad understanding of failure modes in polymeric materials
• Experience with developing new processes, improving efficiencies and successfully transferring to production
• Development of new testing techniques and custom test jigs
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast‑paced and highly competitive environment

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces

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 [e-mail]